MLK Oratorical Contest encourages student expression
   Inspiring speeches filled the Union Colonnade Theater as participants competed Tuesday in the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest.
The MLK Oratorical Contest Committee organized the event for students to express how the call to action should be answered in 2002. Sophomore Alaric Celestaine and freshman Nathaniel Bourda served as co-team leaders. The contest is one of many activities held in honor of the MLK celebration.
“The contest gives students the opportunity to voice their opinion concerning regular civil liberties and justice in the form that Dr. King used and enjoyed the most,”said Brandon Smith, first-place winner. “The inspiration for my speech was derived from the many years of struggle, perseverance, and leadership from African Americans throughout the years.”
Five students competed in this year’s oratorical competition. Each contestant composed a five- to seven-minute speech on the call-to-action theme. Smith delivered the winning oratory, earning him the first-place prize of $100.
Coty Mitchell, a chemical engineering senior, placed second with a speech entitled “Is Somebody Knocking on your Door?”All participants received certificates to reward their dedication and passion.The Office of Multicultural Affairs funded all prizes for the event.
Bourda said the quality of student speakers was excellent, and he wishes more students had attended the contest to hear their positive messages.
“Martin Luther King Jr. would be happy that we are fulfilling his dream,” he said.
Audience member Kenyatta Johnson, an accounting senior, agreed. She enjoyed each contestant’s speech. Her favorite message discussed “building a foundation on what African Americans need to do as a people to better ourselves in our hearts.”
“By showing such initiative the contestants build up strength for themselves and others,” Celestaine said.
Linda Smith-Griffin, Black Faculty and Staff Caucus president, served as one of the competition judges. She commended the participants for their excellent delivery and topic knowledge.
“The students were concerned that each person should help contribute to a better state and a better country for all,” she said.
Other members of the African- American community also judged the competition. Members of the panel included African American Studies Director and Associate professor of History Leonard Moore, Office of Multicultural Affairs Director Roderick Smothers and Office of Multicultural Affairs Assistant Director Katrice Albert.
The MLK celebration will continue throughout the week. A Day of Service also will take place at all area schools Feb. 2 at 8 a.m.
Chloe’ Wiley