“The ability to express an idea is well-nigh as important as the idea itself.”
Booker T. Washington
Rising Voices Oratorical Program
FIND YOUR VOICE. SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. CHANGE THE GAME.
Our Authors Study Club, Inc. proudly presents the 75th Annual Oratorical Program, a tradition founded in 1950 by Vassie D. Wright. Each year, dedicated OASC members and volunteers mentor and support students on this journey, upholding a legacy of integrity, honor, and distinction.
Rising Voices is an multi-week intensive oratorical program culminating in a finals competition designed for marginalized and underrepresented youth ages 13-18. The program centers on the annual National Black History theme, examining its relevance to contemporary social issues affecting participants' communities. Through structured instruction, mentorship, and competitive motivation, Rising Voices empowers young people to research, analyze, and articulate solutions to pressing social challenges while developing essential communication skills.
Black History Theme Connection
Each year, the program adopts the annual National Black History theme as established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Participants explore this theme through a social justice lens, connecting historical contexts to current realities facing their communities. The theme provides both historical grounding and contemporary relevance for their speeches.
For over seven decades, this prestigious program has provided students with the opportunity to:
- Master the art of public speaking—delivering eloquent, persuasive, and effective speeches.
- Improve critical thinking
- Amplify youth perspectives on community issues
- Intergenerational celebration of African American history, honoring and sharing its richness
- Increased knowledge of Black history and its contemporary relevance
Rising Voices transforms the traditional oratorical competition into a comprehensive leadership development program that builds on the rich tradition of oratory in Black history while equipping young people with the tools to address contemporary social challenges with confidence, historical awareness, and persuasive skill.
Due to impact of the fire the contest is cancelled
timeline
The contest scheduled for Saturday May 3, 2025 is cancelled. The impact of the January fires reverberated deeply into the planning and participation so as to impact the ability for both OASC and students to participate fully.
- Please check back in September for the 2026 program.
2026 Theme
2026 BLACK HISTORY THEME EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORY COMMEMORATIONS
2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could have hardly anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world.
From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition and the observances have become part of the wolf and warp of American culture and increasingly the global community. For its 100th theme, the Founders of Black History Month urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world. Read the full Executive summary at https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/
Judging criteria
- Delivery (25 points) – Voice, diction, pronunciation, enunciation, gestures, emphasis
- Interpretation (25 points) – Content, subject adherence, theme, logic, and creativity.
- Platform Presence (25 points) – Poise, appeal, impression, attitude, and effect
- Projection (25 points) – Strength of voice and overall emphasis
Entry SUBMISSION or Download Application
Required Information for Submission
To apply, please submit the following information via email:
Subject Line: Oratorical Contest Application
- Student Name
- Grade
- Address
- Home Phone
- Cell Phone
- Email Address
- Parent/Guardian Name(s)
- Parent/Guardian Email Address
- Parent/Guardian Contact Number
- Name of High School
1st Draft of Speech Due: TBD
Final Application Deadline: TBD
Final Competition Date: TBD (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) (Check-in at 11:30 AM)
Submission Details:
Email your submission and a recent photo to: Oasc1945@gmail.com
Subject Line: "Oratorical Contest Application"
We look forward to your participation!
Contact:
Ms. Terri Lyons
Oratorical Contest Chair
(310) 259-7779
Speech Requirements
- Each contestant must prepare and deliver one original speech.
- Speech must align with national Black History Theme.
- Speech must be between 4 to 6 minutes in length.
- Contestants may include short excerpts (one paragraph max) from speeches by famous individuals, but the majority of the speech must be original.
- Memorization is required – no notes allowed.
- Costumes and props are not permitted.
- Contestants must submit an outline and draft by Date Forthcoming.
- Contestants exceeding 6 minutes or restarting more than twice cannot win a prize.
- Contestants must attend orientation and at least two workshops or practice sessions (exceptions must be approved in advance).
OUR Sponsors & PARTNERS
