MLK 40th Annual Oratorical Competition and Program

The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Competition and Program on Saturday, January 18 at 11 a.m.  The doors open at 10 a.m. This year’s event will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Triangle, VA.  Admission is free, and the community is encouraged to participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by donating ready-to-eat items or microwave-and-eat items to support the work of Northern Virginia Food Rescue and its mission to improve food resiliency and accessibility for the entire region.

Cold Breakfast Cereal Cups

Applesauce Cups

Granola bars

Fruit cups/Bowls

Campbell's sipping soup

Pasta Roni Quaker Rice & Roni Cups

Chef Boyardee Beefaroni microwavable bowls

Hormel Compleats Rice & Chicken Microwave Tray

Kraft Original Easy Microwaveable Mac & Cheese Cups

Fruit Snacks

Synder's of Hanover mini pretzels individual packs

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Variety Pack

Juicy Gel Snack pack

Other ready-to-eat or microwave heat-and-eat items.

This event is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy in the Washington metro area. The community is invited to attend and bear witness to the inspiring performances of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park students.

This year’s speech topic, “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My

Future” is inspire by the writings of Dr. King. Although, not the inspiration for the theme,

Dewey M. Clayton’s opinion published in the Jan. 15, 2024 Courier Journal, makes this

connection. King believed each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. According to Dr. King, democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community – a nation and world society at peace with itself. We ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of our nation.

In addition to listening to enthralling speeches and cheering on this year’s six contestants (three high school and three middle school), attendees can enjoy the MLK Youth Community choir, and other 40th anniversary celebration highlights. Other on site activities include:

 Small business Vendors and Community outreach organizations on site

 Day of Service Donation – Northern VA Food Rescue/NVFR (optional)

 Past MLK Program memorabilia display

The PWCAC-DST MLK program began in 1985 to celebrate and honor the life of Dr. King and to educate the community about his commitment to nonviolence and equality. The current youth oratorical competition format began in 1991. The MLK Community Choir was also formed in 1991 to provide an opportunity for students K-12 to participate in the celebration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mt Zion Baptist Church, 18410 Chapel Street, Triangle, United States