2010 Oratorical Contest

and

Black History Program

It was my good fortune to be able to attend this event sponsored by the following organizations:

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Macon Chapter

100 Black Men of Macon Middle Georgia

&

The Historic Douglass Theatre

Twenty Nine scholars ranging from the age of 10 to 19 participated in this Oratorical Contest this morning at the Historic Douglass Theatre in downtown Macon, Georgia. The participants were from the following schools of Middle Georgia:

Allexander II Magnet School

Ballard-Hudson Middle School

Bloomfield Middle School

Central High School

Heritage Elementary School

Howard Middle School

William Hubbard Middle School

Mary Persons High School

Middle Georgia Christian School

Miller Magnet Middle School

Northeast High School

Jessie Rice Elementary School

Rutland Middle School

Rutland High School

Warner Robins Middle School

There were twelve participants in the 10-12 age group. This segment consisted of students who presented topics which were "Giving" or "The Past, The Present, The Future, The Dream." They each had from three to five minutes to present their prepared speeches in the "Speak Up! Speak Out" portion of the program. Most of the participants presented speeches on "The Past, The Present, The Future, The Dream" title. The first four presentors discussed their backgrounds and captured the hearts of the entire crowd in attendance. They had experienced extremely difficult child hoods. I was impressed. All twelve participants delivered exceptional speeches and certainly reflected well on the individuals and families who had fostered their development. Each can certainly be very proud of their accomplishments and the willingness to talk to all in attendance. In my notes regarding the performances of this age group I quickly wrote the word "Bravo" as the program moved to the next age level.

There were thirteen contestants in the Junior Teens group in the ages from 13 through 15. These contestants were required to talk on the "The Past, The Present, The Future, The Dream" topic. Like the younger participants, this group was required to give a speech at least three minutes duration, but no more than five minutes. I will share some of the quotes that I gleaned from these scholars:

• I can achieve, I can maintain my high grade point average as I remember my past.
• The holes in my pants that I may now have will turn into 0s on my pay check.
• Let us all pray for Haiti

I also was impressed by the conduct of the contestants. As they returned to their seats on the stage their fellow contestants displayed gratitude and smiles to each other.

• One contestant spoke of the challenges of the past and quickly reminded us that they were still standing. Then went on to list their specific goals.
• Acknowledged the we face challenges
• If I maintain a correct focus away from drugs, etc., I can achieve. My dreams are with Jesus.
• I appreciate my Mother who cried, fussed and loved me.

I continued to be impressed with the attitude and the smiles shared among the contestants.

• Education leads one out of the cotton fields.
• Another speaker discussed great pride in their heritage as they looked to a terrific future.
• I was the fuel that kept their fire going as the contestant focused on those in the past who labored under difficult conditions.
• To those who think that the upcoming generation can not achieve greatness one contestant challenged the peers by stating this: "Let us prove them wrong. We can rise to the challenge.
• Another contestant acknowledged that as a young adult to set high goals. Make something our of life. This contestant stated that the goal was to become a veterinarian by attending Georgia Tech and Cornell.

I must state that the above quotes may not be as delivered, but I think that my comments accurately reflect what they conveyed.

The final contestants were the Senior Teens in the 16 to 19 age group. There were four contestants.

• The first speaker focused on the current situation. We were informed that while we now have a Black President, we still have far too many black men in prision. We were urged to set higher goals.
• The next speaker acknowledged on the past struggles and stated that they suceeded because they trusted in God. They knew that one day they would overcome. We were all challenged to take time to get to know each other.
• The third speaker presented a wonderful analogy of the past, the present, the future and the dream by comparing with the weaving of a garmet. The focus of the speech was the wonderful looking cloth of the future - a fancy weave. Reach for excellence.
• The final speaker presented a dramatic speech. While we can appreciate our legacy, we must also be active in our future. An act as simple as voting was stressed. Be proud of our legacy and be ready to acknowledge that "I" am the future. The question was also asked: "How can I not?" with reference to using each individuals full potential.

As I contemplated this event the following comments are germane:

• Many experienced difficult situations in their past but they learned from them and proceeded on with their lives because of actions by adults and/or their Church Family.
• Many shared personal experiences during their speeches. Always an effective method of delivering the point.
• Given the ages of these participants and contestants, each of them is to be saluted for their willingness to participate in such an event.
• Several of the presentations brought tears to my eyes.
• I appreciate that not one speaker presented the required topic in what I anticipated would be a "Cookie Cutter" speech. Each one covered the assigned topic in a new, refreshing way.

All of the participants and contestants displayed great poise. I, as an attendee was impressed. I do not think that during my Junior School High and/or High School days that I could have presented any topic with the clarity, background and knowledge that these 29 scholars displayed this morning. Their conduct certainly reflects well on themselves, their families, their educators, their church families, their schools and their communities.

Well Done!!