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

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

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025) [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. ____________________