Entries are being accepted for the 2nd Annual Marion Barry, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest.

 The Marion Barry, Jr. Legacy Foundation (MBLF) in partnership with the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association (MYLIAA), DC Public Library (DCPL) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) proudly presents the 2nd Annual Marion Barry, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest to take place on Thursday, February 28, 2019, 5:00 pm– 8:30pm at the University of the District of Columbia Student Center, 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC.

The oratorical contest will be held in two stages, the original written essay and the oral presentation of the essay. An invitation is extended to youth, ages 14 to 18, to participate in the Oratorical Contest by completing the attached entry form and application of interest by COB (5:00 pm), Friday, February 15, 2019 and send it to mbjoratorical@gmail.com

In an effort to assist all MB Oratorical Participants, the Committee will conduct 3 training workshops. The first will be on Essay Writing and Understanding the Topic. The next two (2) workshops will be on Oral Delivery.  All Workshops will be held at the Department of Employment Services, 4058 Minnesota Ave. NE, 2nd floor. Listed below are the dates & times. Please confirm your attendance by email at mbjoratorical@gmail.com

Essay Writing: Wednesday, February 13th, 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM

Oral Delivery: Monday, February 25th, 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM

Oral Delivery: Wednesday, February 20th, 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM

The participants must also submit an original essay (800-1000 words) that speaks to the theme, ““The Migration Journey of Marion Barry, Jr” no later than 5:00 pm Friday, February 22, 2019. This year’s oratorical contest theme, “The Migration Journey of Marion Barry, Jr.,” coincides with the national Black History Month theme, "Black Migrations," which emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities.  More about the Black History Month theme can found on the website of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

The essay is due by COB (5:00 pm), Friday, February 22, 2019 to be considered for the contest.  The top six (6) essay finalists will be selected for the oral competition. Participants whose essays are chosen to participate in the oral competition will be notified prior to the contest date.

The application along with contest guidelines are attached.  Carefully read the information to be sure you are adhering to the guidelines and rules. Remember, these important deadline dates:

§  Completed application deadline                - COB (5:00 PM) Fri., Feb., 15, 2019

§  Original essay deadline                                  - COB (5:00 pm ), Fri., Feb., 22, 2019 

§  Oratorical Contest           - 5:30 pm Thurs., Feb., 28, 2019

Cash Prizes 

§  1st Place  - $300 plus presentation of speech at public events/programs 

§  2nd Place  - $200 plus recognition at public events/programs 

§  3rd Place  -  $150 plus recognition at public events/programs 

The application along with contest guidelines, with detailed information are attached.