To commemorate a historical civil rights leader who advocated against segregation and fought for racial equality for Black Americans, Jersey City will host its 28th Annual MLK Oratory Contest at City Hall in the Council Chambers.
The final competition is set to take place on Feb.16, from 3:30 p.m. through 6 p.m., according to a statement provided by the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs.
Leroy Cisse, a sixth grader who attends Cordero Community School, has been practicing reciting the “I Have A Dream” speech in its entirety. “I feel like this shouldn’t have been allowed to happen and reading his speech has helped understand how important it is to speak out against racism,” he said.
Students between grades three through eight are encouraged to participate in the competition. Each school is allowed to nominate two students per age category.
Sophia Barth, who also attends Cordero Community School, said “I believe in reading his speeches we can bring a lot of awareness and get the message out there that racism is wrong.” She is working on the speech titled “The American Dream.”
The first round of the competition will take place on Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. for third through fifth graders. While sixth through eighth graders will have the first round on Feb. 15 from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The following prizes will be awarded to the winners:
Grades 3-5
- First place: $500
- Second place: $250
- Third place: $100
Grades 6-8
- First place: $500
- Second place: $250
- Third place: $100
At the end of first round, six finalists will be chosen from each category to compete at the final competition on Feb.16 at 3 p.m.
Applications must be submitted by Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
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