The work of Middle School students is part of a New York State digital student art and essay exhibit honoring The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which opened for viewing on Jan. 12.
The New York State Department of Education partners with the Office of General Services to honor Dr. King’s memory by inviting schools to submit student art and essays that reflect Dr. King's teachings. Schools submitted original artwork illustrating Dr. King's Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence or essays celebrating Dr. King's birthday.
The project began with four, eighth-grade students who created simple line drawing coloring sheets inspired by Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence. Their work was enlarged and separated into tiles, creating a mosaic.
The tiles were given to Corinne Yanis' Skills classes and Patricia Brennan's ENL class to color. Each tile coloring was completed by a different student. When they were combined, spectacular collages representing Dr. King and his powerful message of peace had been created.
To view the exhibit: New York State 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibit
The Six Principles of Nonviolence are:
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.
Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.
Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.
Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.
The universe is on the side of justice.
The Six Steps of Nonviolent Social Change are:
Gather information.
Educate the community.
Personal commitment.
Negotiate.
Direct action.
Reconciliation.