MLK Oratorical Contest Archives - Potomac Local News

Published November 26, 2025 at 9:52AM

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-7) issues Congressional Record [Submitted photo]

“Awakening the Dream: Breaking Barriers in the Fight for Justice and Unity,” PWCAC-DST announced, is the selected theme for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition and Program, marking one of the region’s longest-running tributes to Dr. King’s legacy.

Founded in 1985, the free annual event will take place Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle. Six student orators from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park will deliver speeches inspired by this year’s theme, alongside performances by the MLK Youth Community Choir and other youth groups. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the MLK Day of Service by bringing non-perishable food donations to support local pantries. Vendors and community outreach organizations will be available beginning at 10 a.m., with a snow date set for January 24.

Features

Students speak on fulfilling ‘the promise of democracy’ at MLK Day event

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:59AM

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

Manassas

Brightening the Holidays: Ways to Give Back in Prince William County

By Teresa Davidson

Published December 18, 2024 at 3:00AM

Submitted by Volunteer Prince William:

Greetings, Prince William: Breaking News: You can still help support the Volunteer Prince William Untrim a Tree and Senior Basket Program! Head over to Texas Roadhouse, 9875 Liberia Avenue, Manassas this Saturday, December 14 from 11am until 3pm for an amazing meal and to help support Untrim a Tree! Dine in or order to go and have your server share your receipt, which will allow TEN PERCENT of your total food purchase to be donated to Volunteer Prince William! We hope to see you there!

Features

Manassas Park High and Rippon Middle School students take top honors at 39th annual MLK Youth Oratorical Contest

By Katherine Madere

Published January 16, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:24PM

A crowd had gathered for the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest at Charles J. Colgan Senior High School near Dale City. [Photo: Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board Potomac District representative.]

Despite the falling snow, the auditorium at Charles J. Colgan was nearly packed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.

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Features

MLK Youth Oratorical Competition is Monday, January 15

By Amelia Breeden

Published December 14, 2023 at 12:04PM

Press Release: “The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Competition on Monday, January 15 at 11 a.m.”

“This year’s event will be held at Charles J. Colgan Senior High School, 13833 Dumfries Road, Manassas. Middle school and high school students from throughout the Prince William County area will display their oratorical skills and children of all ages will sing songs of celebration in the Martin Luther King Community Choir.”

News

MLK Day Oratorical Competition on YouTube: ‘A View of the Promised Land’

By Bekah Whittacre

Published January 13, 2023 at 2:30PM | Updated March 14, 2023 at 2:22PM

This year’s theme, “A View of the Promised Land,” inspired Prince William area students in grades 6-12 to write and present their views on the life and impact of Dr. King’s legacy. The January 16 program will not only showcase six dynamic student orators from Prince William County and Manassas Park it will also feature the MLK Community Choir, students K-12.

The audience will also have an opportunity to vote for their favorite middle school and high school orator using a special text-to-vote feature while watching the program.