Colleges, Others Join Together to Sponsor MLK Jr. Oratory Contest

If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, what would he say?

Local middle school, high school, college students and community members are invited to participate in an oratory contest to honor this legendary leader, his message, and his non-violence movement. Utica College, MVCC, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Utica Councilperson Delvin Moody’s office and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. are sponsoring the competition.

Nine finalists will be selected; three in each division. Entries will be evaluated on intellectual content, logic, vocalization, non-verbal communication, grammar and diction, and audience engagement. There will be one winner from each of the three divisions: middle school, grades 6-8, for a three to five-minute speech; high school students, grades nine through 12, for a five to seven-minute speech; and college or community members, for a seven to ten-minute speech. There will be one $500 winner in each division.

Each speech should focus on the topic, “If Dr. King were alive today, what would his dream be?” The submission form can be found at utica.edu/blackheritage. The deadline is Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.