(l-r) 2026 Words in Action Contest winners Aanya Mehta, Itisha Budamagunta, Ryan Altawil and Asa Shannon. Also pictured: HRDC student members Ikra Ibrahim and Anjolaoluwa Raimi, Mayor Ron Case and HRDC members Susan Weaver, Babar Khan and Greg Leeper

In honor of Black History Month, the City invited students to participate in the annual Words in Action Contest, and the winners were recognized at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting.

Now in its sixth year, the contest encourages youth who live or attend school in Eden Prairie to select an inspiring quote from a Black American civil rights leader and express what it means to them through writing, art or digital media. The students were also asked to share how they can carry forward the legacies of these leaders in our community.

The Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) 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 edenprairiemn.gov/WordsInActionContestWinners.