Thursday, January 15, 2026 • 6:30 PM
Austin Community College – Highland Campus
6101 Highland Campus Drive, Building 4000, Room 4.2205 – Truth, Community Healing & Transformation (TCHT)
The Austin Area Heritage Council proudly presents the 21st Annual MLK Oratory Competition, showcasing the voices of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students as they honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year’s theme
“If Dr. King were alive today, what would you share with him based on the present-day situation/issues which are more prominent in people’s lives today? To help his dream become a reality for the world, how would you personally make these changes?”
Competition Details
- Celebrating 21 years of youth voices and excellence
- Open to individual 4th–6th grade students.
- Previous winners are not eligible.
Speech guidelines:
- Original speeches only (written by the student).
- Maximum length: 5 minutes.
- No props or audience participation.
- Songs allowed (30 seconds max).
- Must be delivered from memory (no notes or cards).
Judging Criteria:
- Delivery
- Stage Decorum
- Content Interpretation
- Expression
- Memorization
Awards
- 1st Place: $500 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: $250 + Trophy
- 3rd Place: $150 + Trophy
The evening will feature a keynote speaker, followed by the competition and awards ceremony.
Community Partners
This event is made possible with the collaboration of:
- Google Fiber
- Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
- UFCU
- Austin Community College District
- ACCelerated Learning Support
- ACCTV
- African American Cultural Center
- ASCENDER
- Black Representation of Achievement through Student Support (BRASS)
- Career & Life Design
- Community and Government Affairs
- District Police
- Facilities, Maintenance & Operations, Highland Campus
- Honors Program
- Make It Center (MIC)
- Office of College Relations & Marketing
- Office of Experiential Learning
- Orientation & First-Year Experience
- Recruitment Office
- Student Life
- TRIO Pre-College Programs
- Truth, Community Healing & Transformation Center
- Welcome Center
Join us as we celebrate the 21st year of this inspiring tradition, honoring the voices of young leaders and the enduring dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!
History of the MLK Oratory Competition
Founded in 2005, the MLK Oratory Competition has given elementary students across Central Texas a platform to share their voices in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For 21 years, this tradition has inspired young leaders to reflect on contemporary issues, speak with courage, and carry forward Dr. King’s dream of justice and equality.