Much study, preparation and memorization culminated Monday in six fourth through sixth graders and two seventh and eighth graders reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. “I Have a Dream” speech at the Navarro County Branch of NAACP’s oratory contest.
First place winner in the younger category was first-time participant Stephen Marr, with veteran orator Branden West taking first in the older, more difficult bracket.
The event, which was very well attended, has become a Corsicana tradition on the national holiday to honor Dr. King, and his peaceful contributions to equality in the United States.
Judges for the oratory contest were Molly Sparks, Wardine Waters and Rowena Winfrey. Elmeree Burrell was the coordinator of the event, and urged adults to give of their time to mentor students, even helping them learn the famous speech.
Participants in the younger category included Elijah Griffin, Keshawn Kelley, Ashley Bradley, Jakeitha Lewis, Marr, and Johnny Garcia, younger brother of Jennifer Garcia, veteran of the older group, who won second. Branden West took first place, and $100 (as did Marr) and a certificate of accomplishment. Johnny Garcia garnered second place in the younger bracket, and Ashley Bradley placed third.
Kary Evans, a student at Navarro College, presented Dr. King’s biography. Evelyn Nelson led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, in addition to two solos. A praise song was performed by Ricky Walters and Lifeline Church and Family Fellowship. Shannon Bailey wowed the crowd with his rendition (in character) of Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind.”
Miss Juneteenth 2009, Nodia Washington of Mildred High School, was the mistress of ceremonies, and told the crowd, “This is not a black holiday. It’s a people holiday ... Look around,” Washington said. “We are reaching his dream. Not only do we have black kids up here, we have everything.”
Washington also noted that she bet three-quarters of the audience could not recite the “I Have a Dream” speech, regardless of how many times they had heard it. She congratulated each student for memorizing the speech, and delivering it with emotion, and passion.
“It takes courage to get up here and do this,” she said.
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