Oratorical Contest

The Charles E. Williams II Advanced Leadership Institute is sponsoring an Oratorical Contest for the 22st Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference. Leaders are taking steps towards redefining the preconceived notions of what a leader looks like, the qualities possessed by them, and the way they effectively reach their followers.

2010 Topic

The enslavement of Blacks in America dates back to the early 1600’s bringing racism against Blacks to the United States. When seeking to understand the state of race relations in 21st Century America, it is important to gain a clear picture of the nature of racism: the belief that one group of people with a particular biological make up is superior to other groups with a differing biological make up. Some Americans believe that racism has “infiltrated every aspect of American society and shows no sign of decreasing”; while others believe “the boundaries of race have been overcome, that racism is no longer a big problem”. With this in mind, consider the following:

Many scholars whose lives intertwine with race believe claims of post-racialism, an America without racism, hold “mirage rather than merit” because far too many significant, statistical disparities remain between Whites and minorities in educational attainment, income and net worth, and career advancement and health care outcomes. Is post-racialism a goal that has been reached?

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Contest Rules and Guidelines:

Please select only one or two of the above facts. Prepare your presentation to reflect your support or opposition for affirmative action and the effects it has had on the African American community in regards to education and professions.
Interested persons are required to send notification to Darius Leviege of their desire to participate in the contest prior to December 5, 2008. There will be a prescreening of participants Friday, January 22, 2010, evening prior to the conference entertainment.
Participants should bring to the prescreening the following:

• A maximum of 10 note cards
• Five copies of their speech outline
• A list of references used in the speech

Participants must submit a packet in a manila folder upon arrival containing: their note cards, 5 copies of their speech, and a list of references. The speech should be 6 to 9 minutes. Participants will be judged on their creativity, content, research, and overall presentation. Plagiarism is grounds for expulsion from the contest. Please site your sources both in your outline and orally.

The top THREE participants will deliver their speeches during the Oratorical Contest. Upon arrival each participant will be given a W-9 form, which must be turned back in before the closing banquet Saturday night, this is required in order for the winner to receive their scholarship. The winner will receive a $500.00 scholarship award, a trophy, and the honor of introducing the keynote speaker at the closing banquet.

Please contact, Darius Leviege or call 979-845-4565 if you have any questions.