In a nod to Black History Month, Eden Prairie has spotlighted the creativity and reflection of its youth through the annual Words in Action Contest. The event, which began on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, drew to a close with a presentation of the winners during the City Council meeting on February 20.
Launched four years ago, the contest seeks to hold up the enduring messages of Black American civil rights leaders. Participants made up of students residing or studying in Eden Prairie, were tasked to select a quote from an influential Black figure and, in their chosen form of expression, unpack the personal significance it holds. More importantly, they were to ponder on how to actively carry forward these legacies in their local communities.
The contest committee had the task of sifting through the submissions and honoring three main winners along with three honorable mentions. This year's prizes were again funded by contributions from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, showing a continued commitment to the program and its objectives.
A comprehensive list of winners, past and present, along with their impactful work, can be found online. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the city's website to view the full list and even to potentially seek inspiration to become more actively engaged in the social fabric of Eden Prairie.
