[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E71-E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 33RD ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. YOUTH ORATORICAL 
                                CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 38th Annual 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and the cornerstone of the 
event, the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical 
Contest, hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
  Each year, the members of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter 
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated invite community members to 
gather on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to celebrate and reflect upon his 
life and his legacy. The pinnacle of this event has become the Youth 
Oratorical Contest, which brings together students in grades 6 through 
12 for a public speaking competition to honor and sustain Dr. Kings 
spirit of optimism, public service, racial harmony, and human rights 
through the voices of youth.
  Dr. King had a vision for what our United States of America should be 
and worked tirelessly towards making it a reality. Our country still 
faces obstacles that Dr. King fought to remove, and we must commit 
ourselves to realizing his vision: ``the creation of the Beloved 
Community.''
  Dr. King's words continue to inspire our youth, who carry on his 
legacy and prepare to become the future leaders of our country. 
Participants in the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest pay tribute to Dr. 
King with their ability to communicate with passion and clarity, just 
as he did. This year, the competition challenged students to deliver 
speeches addressing the theme, ``A View of the Promised Land''--
inspired by Dr. King's ``I've Been to the Mountaintop'' speech that he 
delivered on April 3, 1968--the night before he was assassinated.
  Six Virginia students presented their reflections on Dr. King's 
legacy, and they eloquently demonstrated how his words empower them.
  I congratulate the following finalists and commend them for their 
participation in the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth 
Oratorical Contest:
  Sakshi Gowda--Reagan Middle School
  Kiomi Ninasaume--Gainesville Middle School
  Alyssa M. Godfrey--Benton Middle School
  Brooklynn Saunders--Gar-Field High School
  Myles Lanier--Manassas Park High School
  Shavonne Davis--Patriot High School

[[Page E72]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Inc. for showcasing the power of Dr. King's tireless commitment to 
equality and in congratulating the talented youth of the 2023 MLK Youth 
Oratorical Contest. Let us learn from our young people and consider how 
we might honor Dr. King's legacy by seeking justice in our own 
communities.

                          ____________________