Introduction to the MLK Jr. Oratory Competition
Alanna Atwood, a fifth grader at Wendell Smith Elementary, thinks Martin Luther King would tell us today to use our words before resorting to violence. “We shouldn’t be using any weapons or anything because weapons can cause a lot of things, it can cause injuries and more things like that, and we don’t want that in the world,” Alanna said. The 11-year-old delivered that message to a crowd of more than 150 at the Drake Hotel on Friday in an oratory competition honoring the civil rights icon organized by the Foley and Lardner law firm. She was one of eight Chicago elementary school finalists who wrote and memorized their own speeches for the contest. Alanna won first place.
The Purpose of the Competition
Frank Pasquesi, managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office, said the event is more than a competition — it’s a chance to pass on King’s lessons to a new generation. “We don’t want people to forget the impactful words and the approach he took,” Pasquesi said. “Words matter, and I think Dr. King taught us that just with words you can accomplish anything.” The competition was created in Dallas in 1993, and its popularity led to an expansion to Houston and later Chicago, where it is now in its seventh year. More than 260 students participated in this year’s competitions across the three cities.
Martin Luther King’s Connection to Chicago
King has many connections to Chicago. In 1966, King moved his family to the West Side and spent a year in North Lawndale advocating for fair housing, education and jobs.
The Competition
Alanna Atwood presents her speech during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Alanna’s parents and teachers helped her with her remarks over several weeks. She said she was nervous before taking the stage, but her voice remained steady and poised throughout her remarks. “Dr. King said we must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline,” Alanna said. “The right message of hope is to be compassionate and respectful.”
Alanna Atwood celebrates her win during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Other students spoke about continuing the fight against racism, gun violence in communities and not succumbing to despair when things look bleak. “There is a lot going on in the news in the world, which is why it’s so necessary to find joy in your friendships with people,” Tremond Williams, 5th grader at Cather Elementary, said in his speech. “Find joy in celebrating life.”
Alanna Atwood wins 1st place at the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Students represented schools including Joseph Warren Elementary, Arthur Dixon Elementary and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. The crowd encouraged students with claps and shouts of “you got this” when they stumbled.
From left to right, Anjolaolua Ekemode, 3rd Place, Alanna Atwood, 1st place, and Kaiden Phelps, 2nd place, hold their ribbons during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Each finalist was awarded with a cash prize, a new laptop and a congratulatory letter from Gov. JB Pritzker.
Judging the Competition
Arshay Cooper, an author who was raised in Chicago, was on the panel of judges who scrutinized the students’ stage presence and decorum, content interpretation and memorization. He hopes the competition helps show students that their voices are influential, and they don’t have to rely on an adult to enact change. “I want them to understand that you have a lot of power to go back to your school and you can [inspire] every day in your life,” he said. “It can’t just be the teacher. It has to be young people, too.”
Azaria Brown presents her speech during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Kaiden Phelps celebrates his second place finish during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Kaiden Phelps presents his speech during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Kalani Cox-Dembry presents her speech to judges and an audience at the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Impact on the Students
Alanna’s mother, Fritzlene Atwood, said winning the competition was one of her daughter’s goals this year, and she was proud of her accomplishment. The prizes are welcome, but Atwood appreciated how her daughter learned about King’s struggle and her own value through the process. “This opportunity gave my daughter the understanding of that, learning her history, and knowing that she matters,” Atwood said. “Being a young African American woman, she matters, her voice matters, her decisions matter.”
Alanna Atwood celebrates with a loved one during the 7th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at The Duke Hotel.
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Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Conclusion
The MLK Jr. Oratory Competition is an event that not only honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. but also empowers young students to find their voice and make a positive impact in their communities. By participating in this competition, students like Alanna Atwood and others are able to learn about King’s teachings and apply them to their own lives, becoming leaders and change-makers in their own right.
FAQs
Q: What is the MLK Jr. Oratory Competition?
A: The MLK Jr. Oratory Competition is an annual event where elementary school students write and deliver their own speeches about Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.
Q: How many students participated in this year’s competition?
A: More than 260 students participated in this year’s competitions across three cities: Dallas, Houston, and Chicago.
Q: What are the prizes for the competition?
A: Each finalist is awarded with a cash prize, a new laptop, and a congratulatory letter from Gov. JB Pritzker.
Q: What is the goal of the competition?
A: The goal of the competition is to pass on Martin Luther King Jr.’s lessons to a new generation and to empower young students to find their voice and make a positive impact in their communities.
