The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Program on Monday, January 18 at 11 a.m. via (via our YouTube Channel – PWCAC-DST-MEDIA) YouTube.
This year’s theme, “Beyond the Dream – Young Voices with Something to Say” was chosen because we continually prioritize the voices of our youth with this annual competition.
Youth are not the only people that can dream big. The program’s new committee chair, Sheila MG Mitchell was determined not to let a pandemic be an impediment to producing a premiere event to showcase the talents of students in the Prince William Community.
“Pivoting to a virtual production certainly presents its challenges, but it also provides opportunities. For example, our potential audience moves well beyond, Prince William County and the DMV. Plus, virtual attendance provided our special guest, Revered Al Sharpton, the flexibility to say ‘yes’!”
Over the past 30 years, the program’s youth orators have amazed and inspired large audiences with thoughtful ideas, impactful delivery and a clear vision and call to action.
“The 31st year will be a continuation of this spirit of excellence and its virtual nature will broaden the audience that is able to celebrate Dr. King with us,” said Sharon McCarthy Andrews, President PWCAC-DST. “We can also engage the audience with a new voting feature.”
Audience members will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite orator with a new text-to-vote feature.
Always an audience favorite, the MLK Community choir will be virtual this year. Under the musical direction of Candace Williams, the choir will perform selections that recognize the late Congressman John Lewis.
In addition to the January 18 event, a preview concert will broadcast on PWCAC DST YouTube channel and the Chinn Library social media outlets on January 2, 2021 at 3 p.m.
