[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 108 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




25TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. YOUTH ORATORICAL CONTEST HOSTED BY 
 THE PRINCE WILLIAM ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th Annual 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest hosted by the Prince 
William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its 
education foundation.
   We must continue the fortitude of those who came before us as we 
gather to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. 
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left an indelible mark on our 
nation in his pursuit of civil rights through civil dialogue. Despite 
the violence perpetrated against Dr. King and other leaders of the 
Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King responded with reverent oratory and 
nonviolent resistance to condemn the injustice of social inequality. 
His legacy is one of tolerance and steadfast commitment to principled 
and peaceful communication.
   Contestants in the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest pay tribute to Dr. 
King's legacy with their ability to exercise the strength of the spoken 
word. This skill will serve them well as they seize future leadership 
opportunities and forge the personal relationships necessary for 
effective community engagement and organizing.
   I congratulate and applaud the following contestants in the 25th 
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest:


                        Middle School Contestants

   Zoree Jones--Ronald Reagan Middle School
   Ayesha Khurseed--Graham Park Middle School
   Ksanet Mehari--Stonewall Middle School


                         High School Contestants

   Jacob Gonzalez--Thomas Jefferson High School
   Denzel Goodlin--Potomac High School
   Norman Jones--Stonewall Jackson High School
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for recognizing the benefit that Dr. 
King's teachings bring to the development of our youth. We lay the 
foundations of a more tolerant society when we nurture the ability to 
engage and communicate with one another in a way that respects our 
common humanity.

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