Since 2000, the City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest has showcased the rhetorical skills of the best and brightest students. The theme for this year is “It’s Our Time - A Movement Towards Justice.” Participants are judged on various criteria ranging from voice quality to relevance and accuracy of content. Three winners from the following categories will go on to represent Columbus in the statewide competition in April 2019: Primary (grades K - 2), Intermediate (grades 3- 5), Junior (grade 6 - 8), and Senior (grades 9 - 12). Additionally, winners will have opportunities to present orations at other Dr. King celebrations, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast and the afternoon celebration on Monday, January 21, 2019.
The contest will be held at noon on Saturday, December 8, in the King Arts Complex, which is located at 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Columbus. Registration materials are available online at www.bascomadams.com and www.columbus.gov/neighborhoods/events. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 26. If you have questions, please contact Chris Adams at chrisadams@bascomadams.com or call 614/214-3634.