Belford V. Lawson
Oratorical Competition

For the past 26 years, this program has lifted the confidence, oratory skills and passion of Essex County young men in 7th and 8th grade. The participants give a speech on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Perspectives on the World Today".

All participants are given an allotted amount of time to present their speech at a preliminary contest. The top seven (7) participants participate in a luncheon during MLK weekend where they present their speeches before an audience and judges. The participants are judged on 10 criteria, including oratorical skills, content, time management, presentation, along with other criteria.

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Through community contributions, ticket sales and sponsorships, the Foundation provides monetary awards to the winners.