«Our differences, our strength. Writing to understand, acting to unite» — and a new Céline-Bellot prize «Writing for justice»

LAKAY launches today the 5the edition of its writing competition My pen against racism. Under the theme "Our differences, our strength. Writing to understand, acting to unite", the competition invites students from the greater Montreal and Lanaudière region to take up their pens to reflect on racism, discrimination and living together, and to propose, through their words, ways to create a more just and united society.

One goal: to give young people a voice

The competition aims to raise students' awareness of the realities of racism and exclusion, to develop their critical thinking and empathy, and to value their writing talent. Through writing, young people learn to understand the experiences of others, to name injustices, and to imagine solutions. The 4e This edition brought together 30 finalists from 16 schools; LAKAY hopes this year to reach even more students and institutions throughout the region.

Important dates

  • October 13, 2026 official launch of the competition
  • February 26, 2027 : deadline for submitting texts
  • March 27, 2027 awards ceremony

New: the Céline-Bellot prize "Writing for Justice"«

This year, a special prize will be awarded in memory of Céline Bellot. It will reward the text that most powerfully and sensitively illuminates a lived injustice – profiling, discrimination, exclusion – while opening a path towards equality and dignity.

Lawyer and criminologist Céline Bellot (1970-2026) was a full professor and director of the School of Social Work at the University of Montreal. Founder and director of the Observatory of Profiling, she dedicated her career to documenting racial and social profiling and the criminalization of marginalized people, through collaborative research conducted alongside human rights organizations. Winner of the Acfas Pierre-Dansereau Prize (2021) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2024), she passed away on January 4, 2026. Her commitment to justice and the dignity of all people directly inspires the spirit of this competition.

A call to parents and school staff

«Every text written by a student is a step towards a fairer society. I encourage parents to open up the discussion at home and to encourage their children to write: their words matter, and they can change perspectives.»

— Pierre Richard Thomas, Managing Director of LAKAY

«Principals, teachers, instructors, and other professionals: you are our best allies. Integrate the competition into your classes, give your students the time and confidence they need to write. Together, let’s make our schools places where difference becomes a strength.»

— Pierre Richard Thomas, Managing Director of LAKAY

«Céline Bellot brought to light injustices that too many people experience in silence. By naming this prize after her, we want her voice to continue to resonate through those of young people.»

— Pierre Richard Thomas, Managing Director of LAKAY

Participate

The rules and participation guidelines are available on lakaymedia.org/concours-de-texte.