The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Young People’s Town Hall
at Alabama State University Student Union- Student Theatre
These days, Millennials and Generation Z are emerging and taking the reigns of leadership at every level. At the height of his transformative influence in our community, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the same age as the largest generation in American life today. During his 30s, Dr. King organized the March on Washington, wrote his powerful Letter from Birmingham Jail, and led the famed march from Selma to Montgomery. He was a prime example of how young people working to organize in their community can truly be the catalyst to change the world.
As part of this year’s Dr. Martin, Luther King, Jr., Weekend Celebration, the Millennial and Generation Z leaders will discuss the importance of inclusion and equity in living out Dr. King’s legacy. Audience members will have the opportunity to engage with these young people - activists, educators, organizers, and lawmakers - in a true Town Hall style format, followed by informal breakout conversations following the event.
Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest
THEME:
Your Dream of Montgomery. Your Dream of Community . Your Dream of the world.
ABOUT THE CONTEST
We invite participants from every Montgomery County Middle School and High School to participate in the MLK Oratorical Contest by creating an original speech based on the above theme. We hope you will encourage students to participate. One winner from the High School and Middle School will be selected from this event to present his/her speech at the 2025 Montgomery County Martin Luther King Parade. More information will be forthcoming on the logistics for these events.
Thank you for your support. Anyone seeking additional information regarding the Oratorical Contest should contact one of the following committee members:
Rev. Richard Williams
MLK Oratorical Contest, Committee Chair
Phone: 334-263-0950
email: rwilliams@metromgm.org
For General information please email mlkplanning.mgm@gmail.com
Eligibility:
Students attending an accredited middle school and high school within Montgomery County or student being home schooled are eligible for participation in the contest. Any questions about eligibility should be directed to the committee.
Rules & Requirements:
All participants are asked to be present and ready to share there speeches at The Young People's Town Hall. Thursday
Oratorical Contest participants must write an original speech that is between 4-6 minutes in length. Student's must record themselves speaking using a device. The speech should be submitted via google form. If you have difficulty you can email the speech to rwilliams@metromgm.org. The speeches submission is due by Jan 12, 2025 at 5pm.
On January 20, 2025, the day of the MLK Parade, participants will be expected to follow all instructions provided by the oratorical commission for presenting the speech at the parade. The student is expected to wear church attire for the event. A parent or guardian is welcome to accompany each participant. Each finalist is encouraged to extend invitations to the parade to members of their family, classmates, teachers and friends.
There will be awards for each Middle and High School finalists.
The speeches are due by 5pm on January 12, 2025.
Winners Awards for Middle School and High School:
1st Place: $300, Share speech during Young Peoples Town Hall and ride in the parade in a sponsors vehicle
2nd Place: $200, Award
3rd Place: $100, Award
