“What would Dr. King tell us about our responsibility as citizens and leaders in America today?” was the question posed to grade-school students at the 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition this past Friday. This competition, held in Houston, Dallas and Chicago, encourages the writing and public speaking skills of elementary school students while honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Held downtown at the Antioch Mission Baptist Church, finalists, dressed in formal suits and dresses, took their turn on the stage, sharing what Dr. King may tell us: to be kind, to treat everyone fairly, and to never give up. According to these students, the iconic civil rights leader would be amazed at the strides made in society, as well as shocked at the continued -isms that plague it, but that shouldn’t deter people. In fact, as some students said, it should motivate us to do more.
Family and friends cheered proudly after each speech. Everyone took turns taking group selfies to distract the nervous finalists, as judges deliberated the winner. This year’s competition led to a historic first: Montoia Murray was announced the winner, the first student to win two years in a row. Overwhelmed with emotion, Montoia accepted the win among Kenya Skinner, runner up and Rashaud Williams, who came in 3rd place.
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