2025 Theme:
Voices of Courage Stories of Resistance & Resilience in the African Diaspora

When: Feb 28th @ 10am | Where: Black History Museum & Cultural Center | Entry Fee: $15 | Entry Deadline: January 31, 2025

CASH PRIZE: $150

How to Participate:

1. Register: Please complete the form below, and also pay the $15 fee using the link in the form, by January 31, 2025.  

2. Prepare: 

1. Option 1:  Select a topic that aligns with the theme and craft your speech. Speeches should be 3-5 minutes long. 

2. Option 2:  Recite a speech delivered by a person of African descent that was impactful to you.  Speeches should be 3-5 minutes long. 

3. Present: Arrive at the venue 30 minutes early, ready to present your speech to an enthusiastic audience and a panel of esteemed judges. Business attire is required.  

Rules:

1. Eligibility: Contestants must be high school students in grades 8-12.

2. Preparation: Contestants must prepare an original oration or select a speech given by a person of African descent on a topic related to the theme of the contest.

3. Time Limit: Speeches should be between 3 to 5 minutes long.

4. Delivery: Contestants must deliver their speech without the use of notes, props, or electronic devices. Singing or the use of unauthorized aids will result in disqualification.

5. Language: The majority of the speech must be in English, but short phrases in other languages are allowed if properly attributed.

6. Quotations: Quotations longer than 10 words must be cited orally.

7. Evaluation Criteria:  

1. Content:

1. Relevance: How well does the speech relate to the theme?

2. Delivery:

1. Voice: Clarity, volume, and modulation of the speaker's voice.

2. Articulation: Pronunciation and enunciation of words.

3. Pace: Appropriate speed of speech; not too fast or too slow.

4. Body Language: Effective use of gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.

5. Emotional Appeal: Ability to engage the audience's emotions and connect with them.

3. Impact: 

1. Engagement: How well does the speaker capture and maintain the audience's attention?

2. Memorability: Is the speech memorable and thought-provoking?

3. Overall Impression: General impression of the speech and its delivery.

4. Adherence to Rules:

1. Time Limit: Adherence to the specified time limit.

2. Quotations: Proper citation and use of quotations.

3. Language: Appropriateness of language used.