(l-r) 2025 Words in Action Contest winners Leisha Mekala, Sonakshi Diwivedi, Amaya Demery and Itisha Budamagunta
Back row: Paja Xiong, community services manager, Mayor Ron Case and Babar Khan, Human Rights and Diversity Commission member

In honor of Black History Month, the 2025 Words in Action Contest kicked off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and culminated with the winning entries being recognized at the Feb. 18 City Council meeting.

This marks the fifth year for the Words in Action contest, which celebrates the powerful speeches and writings of Black American civil rights leaders. Youth who live or go to school in Eden Prairie were asked to select a quote from a Black American civil rights leader who inspires them and express through writing, art or digital media what that quote means to them personally. The students were also asked to include ideas on how they can carry the legacies of civil rights leaders forward in our community.

The contest committee selected winning entries and honorable mentions, each receiving cash prizes made possible through the generous support of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.

A full list of current and past winners, honorable mentions and winning entries is available at edenprairie.org/WordsInActionContestWinners.