The Austin Area Heritage Council (AAHC) in collaboration with Google Fiber and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity are sponsoring the 16th Annual MLK Oratory Competition which will take place on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 6:30pm.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event will be presented virtually in order to continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and most importantly, for the students who are the future of this country.
We will broadcast live from both Facebook and YouTube at 6:30pm.
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As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” As people of different cultures and backgrounds are still facing the evils of racism, inequality and unjust acts from others in this country — we must continue to move forward. We have the power to overcome fear and to embrace the challenges in which we encounter by focusing on the possibilities and staying positive. Let’s continue to carry forward Dr. King’s unfinished work because change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.
The topic for the 2021 MLK Oratory contest will be, “In this country, we presently see more racial inequality and social injustice more than ever. If Dr. King were alive today, what would you discuss and share with him on how you would help to create a stronger unity for the people in America and the world?”
Students are encouraged to consider Dr. Martin Luther King’s ideals and principles when creating their speeches and should follow the following criteria:
- The speeches must be written by the student and cannot be more than 5 minutes in length;
- The speeches should not include props or audience participation;- And, if a student decides to sing as part of his or her speech, the total around of song should be no more than 30 seconds in length.
At the final competition, judges are made aware of specifications and will keep them in mind as they judge the finalists on the following metrics:
- Delivery
- Stage Decorum
- Content Interpretation
- Expression and Memory, not on whether one student has more musical talent than another.