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The Orange County Human Relations Commission invites students in grades 6 through 12 who live in Orange County to participate in the 2026 Student Human Relations Contest.
This annual contest honors the legacy of Dr. Pauli Murray, a writer, lawyer, and human rights advocate. Students are encouraged to explore how their voices and creativity can help build a more just and inclusive community.
Selected students will be recognized at the 36th Annual Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony in May 2026.
Throughout her life, Pauli Murray used words in poetry, law, and activism to fight for justice.
How can writing, art, or advocacy be powerful tools for change in your generation?
Students are encouraged to think about:
Participation is free.
Students may submit original work in one of the following categories:
Detailed guidelines are provided within the application form.
Students may submit their work by using this online application form or by any of the submission types listed below.
For video submissions, students may upload a file or provide a link if the file size exceeds the upload limit.
Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Electronic and hand-delivered entries must be received by Wednesday, April 1, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST.
Email: civilrights@orangecountync.gov
Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic LifeP.O. Box 8181Hillsborough, NC 27278
Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life306 Revere Rd, Ste. 400Hillsborough, NC 27278
Prizes will be awarded in both Middle School and High School divisions.
Winners will be invited to attend and be recognized at the Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Participation in public recognition is voluntary.
Language assistance and accessibility accommodations are available upon request.
If you need assistance, please contact:
Office of Civil Rights and Civic LifeEmail: civilrights@orangecountync.gov Phone: 919-245-2594
Before starting your application, please make sure you have the following:
You will be asked to:
You may not be able to save your progress and return later.
If you are not ready, please gather your materials before continuing.
Click Continue when you are ready to begin.
Please provide the student’s information. This information is required to confirm eligibility and consent.
Used only for contest communication.
Then press continue until you reach the category that matches your entry.
You will see specific instructions for your chosen category.
You may submit only one entry.
Your essay must be original work.
You may receive help with spelling and grammar. You may not receive help with content.
Upload your essay as a PDF or Word document.
Your poem must be entirely original.
Upload your poem as a PDF or Word document.
You may include a short artist statement explaining your work.
Upload artwork as a JPG, PNG, or PDF file.
Your performance must be original.
Adults may assist with recording. Adults may not contribute to the content.
Upload your video file or provide a link if the file exceeds upload limits.
I confirm that this submission is my original work.
If selected for recognition, please let us know if any accommodations are needed to support participation.
If selected, I give permission for my student’s name and submission to be shared publicly, including at the awards ceremony and on County platforms.
I give permission for my student to participate in the 2026 Student Human Relations Contest.
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