Presented by the National Bar Association
Hosted by the Garden State Bar Association (Region III)
The Garden State Bar Association is proud to host the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition for high school students across New Jersey.
Sponsored nationally by the National Bar Association (NBA), this prestigious program challenges students to demonstrate excellence in written and oral advocacy while engaging critically with issues of justice, equity, and public policy through the lens of Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community.”
About the Competition
The Drum Major for Justice Competition is designed to:
Encourage academic excellence
Strengthen public speaking and advocacy skills
Expose students to the legal profession
Provide scholarship opportunities for college-bound students
Students participate in two stages:
Essay Submission (Written Advocacy)
Oral Advocacy Competition (Regional Round)
Essays are evaluated by attorneys and judges. Selected students will advance to the Regional Oral Advocacy Competition, where they will present their arguments before a distinguished panel.
Who May Apply
Eligible participants must be:
Current high school juniors or seniors
College-bound students
Enrolled in a New Jersey high school
2026 Essay Topic
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies focused on strict border control, limiting both legal and illegal immigration, and expanding the power of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. Supporters argue these actions protect American jobs and national security, while critics contend they create fear, divide families, and conflict with America’s values of compassion and equality.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a “Beloved Community” — a society grounded in justice, empathy, and respect for human dignity.
If Dr. King were alive today, would he agree or disagree with Trump’s approach to immigration and the use of ICE? How might his vision of the Beloved Community guide his response to today’s immigration policies and enforcement practices?
Scholarships & Advancement
Regional winners will receive scholarship awards and the Regional First Place Winner will represent Region III at the National Bar Association’s 101st Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee in July 2026.
At the National Competition, students compete for substantial scholarship awards:
National 1st Place – $5,000
National 2nd Place – $3,500
National 3rd Place – $2,000
All other national finalists receive a scholarship award
This is an extraordinary opportunity for New Jersey students to compete on a national stage.
Important Dates
Essay Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026
Regional Oral Competition: On or before May 15, 2026
National Competition (Nashville, TN): July 30, 2026
How to Apply
All completed applications and essays must be submitted by email to:
MLK_DMJ@gardenstatebar.org
Applicants must submit:
Completed application and cover sheet
Essay (maximum 1,000 words; formatting rules apply)
Signed photography release
Please review the full application packet for detailed formatting and eligibility requirements.
Our Commitment
Under the leadership of President Joel Clymer, the Garden State Bar Association remains committed to expanding opportunities for young people across New Jersey and fostering the next generation of advocates, leaders, and changemakers.
We encourage educators, parents, mentors, and community leaders to share this opportunity widely.
For questions or partnership opportunities, please contact us at MLK_DMJ@gardenstatebar.org.
Support Our Students
Help GSBA provide scholarship awards and competition support for the Regional MLK Drum Major for Justice winner. Your donation directly invests in New Jersey’s next generation of advocates.
