The Garden State Bar Association is proud to host the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Essay & Oratory Contest, a signature program of the National Bar Association that challenges high school juniors and seniors to engage deeply with issues of justice, leadership, and public policy through the lens of Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community.”

This competition is more than an essay. It is an opportunity for young people across New Jersey to develop critical thinking skills, strengthen their voices, and build confidence in public speaking and advocacy. Students compete for scholarship prizes at the regional level, and the first-place winner advances to represent our region at the National Bar Association’s Annual Convention.

We are launching this grassroots fundraising campaign to support scholarship awards, competition expenses, and student participation costs. Every contribution helps ensure that talented students — regardless of background — have the opportunity to compete, grow, and lead.

Your support invests directly in the next generation of advocates, attorneys, public servants, and changemakers.

Together, we can help New Jersey students write boldly, speak confidently, and lead with purpose.

GSBA MLK Drum Major for Justice Essay & Oratory Contest

By Garden State Bar Association

GSBA MLK Drum Major for Justice Essay & Oratory Contest

Scholarship Support for New Jersey High School Juniors and Seniors