[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 40TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. YOUTH ORATORICAL 
                              COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2025

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Annual 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince 
William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Incorporated.
  Since 1985, the members of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter 
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have hosted this community event in 
honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year marks the 40th 
anniversary of this meaningful tradition. This event has evolved into a 
youth oratorical competition, bringing together students in grades 6-12 
from Prince William County Public Schools and surrounding areas. It 
offers students with a unique opportunity to research, write, and 
deliver an oration that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr.
  Dr. King's legacy continues to inspire people of all ages, including 
today's youth. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence has 
profoundly shaped our Nation, urging us to confront injustice and work 
for a future where all treated with dignity and respect.
  This year's speech topic: ``Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My 
Voice, My Choice, My Future,'' is inspired by Dr. King's powerful call 
for America to live up the ideals of the Constitution and Declaration 
of Independence by being ``true to what you said on paper.''
  I congratulate the following contestants in the 40th Annual Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants: 
Soluchi Eze--Benton Middle School; Chizaram Feliz-Ujorji--Pennington 
Traditional School; Ezana Tesfaye--Mary G. Porto Traditional School. 
High School Contestants: Jordyn Nesbitt--Gainesville High School; Rabab 
Raza--Osbourn High School; Naomi Samuel--Battlefield High School.
  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 students of the 2025 MLK 
Youth Oratorical Contest. Let us learn from this next generation and 
consider how we may honor Dr. King's legacy by continuously seeking 
justice and leading with light in our own communities.

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