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2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest entry deadline is: January 24, 2026.

MLK Oratorical Contest.

The Rho Sigma Lambda Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,* Rho Sigma Lambda Chapter proudly presents our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

*Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first Black, intercollegiate Greek-lettered fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 and its mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

Contest Rules

Eligibility

An 11th or 12th grade student attending an accredited high school—public or private—in Butts, Lamar, Henry, Spalding, and Upson counties.

Theme

The theme: “What does building the ‘Beloved Community’ look like in your school, your neighborhood, or your generation?”

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Examine Dr. King’s dream of equality and its application to modern movements for diversity, equity, and  inclusion across all facets of identity. 

This was a poignant aspect of Dr. King’s Civil Rights Movement.

 

In your opinion, what is one of the  most pressing issues currently facing America, and what solutions can you offer? Develop a persuasive  argument that will convince the audience to accept your point of view.

Preliminary Evaluation and Mandatory Speech Development Workshop

  • Contestants must submit their completed entry form and speech to the Rho Sigma Lambda Chapter Oratorical Committee by January 24, 2026 at 9:00p.m. Entry forms can be found at MLK Oratorical Contest Entry Form.

  • Contestants must attend a mandatory virtual speech development workshop on February 8, 2026. Members of Rho Sigma Lambda and the Shiloh Baptist Church Toastmaster Club will lead a discussion on keys to drafting a winning speech. In addition, contestants will have an opportunity to practice their public speaking through fun and interactive games. Additional rules and guidelines can be found here.

  • Finalists will be selected to compete in the Oratorical Contest on February 18, 2026.

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