Dear Friends,

This month, we celebrate Black History Month - with stories, art, and short films that pay tribute to outstanding individuals who have had a profound impact on our world.  Alicia Keyes at the Grammy's this month spoke out on the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound."

MY HERO is committed to shining a light on diverse heroes from all walks of life. We appreciate your participation and welcome your support. Read on to see the many ways you can participate in The MY HERO Project.

MY HERO Celebrates Black History Month. Click HERE to be Inspired by stories and films of African American Civil Rights and Social Justice Heroes.

Check out these two recent winning films from The MY HERO International Film Festival — Simone Biles Rising, a trailer from the Netflix series of the same name, and She is Us, a clip from the documentary by Samara Hutman and C. Lily Ericsson about Judge Songhai Armstead.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Visualize Heroism Art Contest. Students of all ages and from all parts of the world submitted their inspiring artwork.

View the winning art HERE.

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award is presented by author, global educator and founder of Palo Alto High School's media center Esther Wojcicki. The award is open to elementary, middle and high-school students whose films shine a light on everyday heroes. LEARN MORE

Esther is working with Jonah Steinhart and The MY HERO Team on a Youth Reporter Workbook, with support from the Scripps Family Impact Fund. The workbook will be available this spring. Esther will be presenting at THE SHOW @ASU+GSV Conference and Summit, which takes place April 5-7 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Ocean enthusiasts can submit their short, hero-themed films for the Earle Ocean Conservation Short Film Award, sponsored by MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation's One World One Ocean Campaign. The Earle Award goes to a student and a professional filmmakers who best feature the beauty of the ocean.

Sylvia Earle is a world-famous ocean explorer, scientist, and champion for the world's oceans. The Earle Award goes to films that show the beauty of the sea, or feature activists working to protect the oceans.

The deadline is May 1st.

Artists of all ages are welcome to submit a portrait of their hero to the Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest. Works submitted will be judged by artist Robert Shetterly, founder of Americans Who Tell the Truth and the MY HERO Gallery staff.

The deadline is May 1, 2025.

The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Poetry Contest is open to poets, artists, filmmakers, and spoken word artists whose work showcases heroes working for peace, human rights and the environment.. CLICK HERE to view contest requirements for the various categories.

The deadline is June 1st.

Submissions are being accepted for

the 2025 MY HERO International Film Festival.

Submit your short film here

Learn about all MY HERO Contests.

FEBRUARY

February - Black History Month

February 11 - International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 14 - Valentines Day - Love is the Greatest Thing by Pato Banton

February 20 - World Day of Social Justice

February 21 - Birthday of John Lewis

MY HERO'S Media Arts Resources are free and available to help students make short films.

Valentine's Day is almost here.

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We need and value your support for The MY HERO Project so we can continue to provide our free educational resources to millions of teachers, students and families around the world.

Help support MY HERO's global learning community.