Since 2000 the Visions of Unity Contest has encouraged Torrance youth to reflect on their role in resolving critical community issues, to artistically express their unique ideas and ideals in a way that broadens minds and touches hearts, and to take initiative in enhancing unity among diverse groups within society.
Share your vision of unity, to inspire your peers, see your work published, earn a cash award, and receive public honor among leaders, elected officials, and community. Open only to high school students in Torrance, California.
The Visions of Unity contest was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, whose birthday comes on or near the contest’s deadline every year. NOW IN OUR 26th YEAR, the contest continues to engage youth, their families, community leaders, education providers, sponsors and donors in the power of artistic expression to cross cultural boundaries and forge new bonds as members of one human family, to explore ways individuals can work together to cultivate greater healing, harmony, and understanding within their communities.
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Congratulations to the 2025 winners!!!
Contest Categories
Literature: Poetry, Essay, and Short Story
Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Computer Graphics
Winners will receive cash awards, thanks to the generosity of the sponsors below. Over the last 25 years, more than 1,000 students have received awards and over $125,000 in cash prizes.
Winning art entries will also be displayed in the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library showcase (if they fit on the 2′ high shelves) soon after the gala and will remain on display for a few weeks before they are returned to the artists.
Partners and Donors
The Human Relations Forum of Torrance, along with community partners, seeks to celebrate diversity, promote education and understanding while cultivating a sense of belonging for the diverse population of Torrance.
Community partners include: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Volunteer Center South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, Torrance Unified School District, and Palos Verdes Chapter of the Links, Inc.
Donors Include:
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Congressman Ted Lieu and TUSD Board Member Betty Lieu
City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission
Jean Adelsman
Teresa Langness
Ruth Vogel
Shirley E. Starke Wallace
Welch and Company Accountancy Corporation
Patricia Kromka
Palos Verdes Chapter of the Links, Inc.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Shirley and Chih-Ming Ho
Bahá’ís of Manhattan Beach
Patrice Lefevre
Kamy Akhavan
Heidi and Dan Ashcraft
Lea Ann King
US Congressman Ted Lieu
CA State Senator Ben Allen
CA Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn
The Wonderful All-Volunteer Staff Include:
Torrance Unified School District Liaison: Betty Lieu, Terry Ragins
Special thanks to Torrance Memorial for their generous support in providing, among other things, the use of the Hoffman Health Center, AV services and refreshments.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
2025 winners are on display at the Torrance main library
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