Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Xi Alpha Lambda
Chapter
The Ira Dorsey Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc.
and
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter
2016 MLK Oratorical Contest and Community Recognition
Brunch Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest and
Community Recognition Brunch hosted by the Ira Dorsey Scholarship Endowment Fund,
Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter. The Oratorical
Contest is open to students between the ages of 14 through 18. Below are the
established guidelines for the contest. Should you have any questions, please feel free
to contact us: Gerald Gladney, (443) 421-0765, gladneyg1906@gmail.com; or Ron
Atwater, (909)743-3892, atwaterr1@icloud.com.
The theme for the 2016 MLK Oratorical Contest is, “Achieving the Dream.” The program
will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920
Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22042. The program will begin promptly at 10:00am.
Essay Question: In an excerpt from Dr. King’s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, he
spoke plainly about lifting “our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid
rock of brotherhood,” and he also said, “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro
is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.” Unfortunately, police
brutality has always existed since before Dr. King’s speech to our present time.
In 2014, America witnessed the death of Eric Garner at the hands of New York City
police officers on July 7th after being apprehended for selling loose cigarettes allegedly.
One month later on August 9th in Ferguson, MO, Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed
an unarmed Michael Brown six times at close range. In April 2015, Officer Michael
Slager shot a fleeing Walter Scott after a traffic stop in Charleston, SC. In June 2015,
police brutalized a 12 year old girl by fracturing her jaw and ribs at a swimming pool in
Fairfield OH.
Given these recent events, the current climate and the intent of Dr. King’s speech, the
question posed to you is:
In today’s society, has Dr. King’s dream been achieved? Why or why not?
Essay Criteria: The essay must be between 800 - 1000 words in length and should
contain the following:
Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Xi Alpha Lambda
Chapter

An introduction, which identifies the subject and contains an explanation of the
writer’s position. The objective is to demonstrate an understanding of the essay
question and show that a response (position) has been formed.

A body, which develops the argument from the writer’s point of view. This part
of the essay should clearly articulate the position of the writer and reasons for
that position.

A conclusion, which summarizes the essay and restates the writer’s position.
Evaluation of Essays: The top four essay finalists will be identified and required to
present their essays during the MLK Oratorical Contest on January 16, 2016 at the
McLean Hilton Tysons Corner. Finalists will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the
following criteria.

Focus: Examines how well the essay responds to the various parts of the
question.

Organization: Looks at the structure of the essay and the strength of the
position taken.

Conclusions: Examines how well the essay is summarized and closing thoughts
presented.

Voice: Considers how well the essay engages the reader. Does the essay fully
capture the reader’s attention?

Style and Mechanics: Examines how well the essay is written in terms of
grammar, spelling, punctuation, word-use and sentence structure.

Oral Presentation: Examines how well the orator presents their essay to an
audience.
Deadline for submission: A typed copy of the written speech and the Oratorical Contest
entry form MUST be mailed and postmarked or email stamped no later than November
24, 2015. The Oratorical Contest Entry form must be completed and signed by parent(s)
and mailed no later than the same date in order to be eligible.
Contest Awards/Recognition: Upon completion of essay presentations at the MLK
Oratorical Contest, the top four finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and given a
monetary scholarship award and plaque.
*Entry Form Below*
Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Xi Alpha Lambda
Chapter
Speech Contestant Information
Name________________________________________________________
Parent’s Name________________________________________________
Age_______ School_______________________________ Grade______
Home Address
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Telephone Number_____________________________________________
Email Address_________________________________________________
Parent Signature_______________________________________________________
Please send a typed copy of your essay AND the Speech Contest Information page to:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter
Attn: MLK Oratorical Contest Committee
P.O. Box 10371
Alexandria, VA 22310
Or
MLKOratoricalContest@gmail.com