The New Mexico Black Lawyers Association

The National Bar Association announced its 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition in February, 2011. In its 11th year, the competition provides an opportunity for high school seniors to earn scholarships for college. MetLife is the Platinum sponsor of the program for the second consecutive year.

High school seniors from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Utah were invited to submit an essay for the 2011 Region X competition. Students addressed the question: "President Barack Obama challenged states to identify high schools with graduation rates below 60% and implement programs to increase the rates." If Dr. King were alive today, what new solution(s) and new program(s) should he recommend that your state implement and the Obama Administration fund? Specifically explain why the proposed new solutions and programs should be adopted.

Sponsored by the National Bar Association and supported by the National Bar Institute, the competition is an annual advocacy program designed to motivate students of color to excel in education. The contest encourages high school seniors to express their views on a pre-selected topic, and judges the students on their ability to communicate orally and in writing. It also provides young people with experience in public speaking.

“The NBA is so pleased to continue its tradition of inspiring young Americans towards careers in the law and recognizing tomorrow’s leaders,” said J. Robert Carr, executive director of the National Bar Association. “We also look forward to partnering with MetLife again this year to help families understand and plan for the rising costs of college.”

Taylor Griffin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, received 1st place and won a $1,000 scholarship and a 3 days/2 nights trip to Baltimore, Maryland, with a chance to compete for an additional $1500 in scholarships for college.