AUSTIN, Texas  — The legacy of Martin Luther King Junior continues to inspires kids to speak up for what they believe in.

Elementary students competed in the Austin Area Heritage Council 13th Annual MLK Oratory Competition Thursday, Jan. 11.

Children wrote essays about the dreams they would share with Dr. King if he were alive today. The winner received $500 and will deliver the same speech at future MLK events. Organizers said it's a good way to help children get involved with political issues.

"These children, they actually see, they understand what's going on,” Yvette Crawford with the Austin Area Heritage Council said. "So hopefully with them researching and being a part of this they will maybe help come up with a solution to help bring everyone together regardless of race, creed or religion."

The event kicked off the Heritage Council's weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.

Monday, the annual MLK march starts at the University of Texas and ends at Huston-Tillotson University.