[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 41ST ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. YOUTH ORATORICAL

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st Annual 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince 
William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Incorporated.
  For more than four decades, 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 41st anniversary of this distinguished program, one of the 
oldest and largest celebrations of Dr. King's legacy in the greater 
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
  The event brings together students in grades six through twelve from 
Prince William County Public Schools and surrounding areas, offering 
them a unique opportunity to research, write, and deliver original 
orations honoring the life, leadership, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr.
  This year's speech topic: ``Awakening the Dream: Breaking Barriers in 
the Fight for Justice and Unity, ``is inspired by the enduring legacy 
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose calls for justice, unity, and an 
equitable future continue to resonate today.''
  I want to personally congratulate the following contestants in the 
41st ``Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle 
School Contestants: Brianna McGlawn--Manassas Park Middle School; 
Daniella Odom--Rippon Middle School; Jasraj Saini--Benton Middle 
School; Salima Lankford-Diallo--Manassas Park High School; Beulah 
Sarsah--C.D. Hylton High School; and Ryqah Shaikh--Gainesville 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 its unwavering commitment to uplifting our youth and 
preserving Dr. King's legacy.
  I also congratulate these talented students for using their voices to 
advance the ideals of justice, unity, and equality. 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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