Dream On: Justice Advocacy Competition slated for February

In 1993, A. Kay Stanfield-Spinks had a dream. As then-president of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, Stanfield-Spinks wanted to start a multi-faceted program that honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., supported Detroit-area youth, and exposed those teens to potential careers in the law. Stanfield-Spinks passed away last year at the age of 60, but her dream has been realized over and over, and will manifest itself again with the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition. This year's event will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, at noon at Thomas M. Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus located at 2630 Featherstone Rd. The competition stresses critical thinking and effective advocacy about a contemporary issue. Selected juniors and seniors from local high schools in Wayne and Oakland counties will make oral presentations on what King's reaction would be if he were alive today to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder striking down the coverage formula used in Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The finalists will also discuss whether they agree or disagree with King's posthumous perceived position, and why. It's a pretty heady topic, but one that organizers believe will once again bring out the best and brightest thought-provoking responses from area youth. The competition was born 22 years ago, and consisted of students writing a brief essay adopting stances for or against specific issues of the day. The essays were read and evaluated by a committee of attorneys who mentor the students and narrow the field to the six top papers. Every finalist receives an award, including a trophy, plaque and a savings bond of some monetary value. Books are also donated by other sponsors. A large number of other corporate sponsors are also involved. In 2000, the National Bar Association adopted the program. Now students from 12 NBA regions participate in the national competition, with Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee representing Region VI. At the 1993 competition more than 100 essays were submitted. Since 1993, more than 1,200 essays have been submitted. More than $100,000 in savings bonds and books have been awarded to more than 125 students. Although the competition hopes to interest students to get into the field of law, that is not the ultimate goal. Two finalists from recent years have entered the field of law, and ironically, they are brother and sister: Louis A. Brown and Danielle M. Brown. Admission to the Feb. 15 event is free. Light refreshments will be served during the reception immediately following the program. Published: Tue, Jan 21, 2014

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