MLK Youth Oratorical Competition: “Awakening the Dream – Breaking Barriers in the Fight for Justice and Unity”

By Lisa McFarren-Polgar

With wisdom beyond their years, the six Regional Finalists of the MLK Youth Oratorical Competition affirmed the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and secured the promise of the next generation at the event held at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, VA.

The Prince William Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted the powerful and inspiring program showcasing remarkable young people, whose poise, eloquence, and conviction demonstrated that the dream of justice and freedom is very much alive.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood set the tone for an unforgettable morning, reminding the audience that these young voices represent both the future and the responsibility we share today.

The middle school finalists included Jasraj Saini of Benton Middle School, Danielle Odom of Rippon Middle School, and Brianna McGlawn of Manassas Park Middle School. The high school finalists were Beulah Sarsah of C.D. Hylton High School, Salima Lankford-Diallo of Manassas Park High School, and Ryqah Shaikh of Gainesville High School.

Winners of the Competition were Brianna McGlawn and Beulah Sarsah.

Each competitor delivered a clear and urgent message: change requires action. Jasraj Saini’s dynamic presentation emphasized that awakening the dream requires courage, compassion, and speaking up for what is right. “Martin Luther King’s dream belongs to all of us,” he declared, urging the audience to replace fear with understanding.

Brianna McGlawn passionately echoed Dr. King’s belief that “justice is not the absence of tension, but the presence of justice.” She challenged the community to come together and fight for friends, family, and neighborhoods, reminding everyone that unity is essential in the pursuit of equity.

Danielle Odom’s speech struck a deeply emotional chord as she addressed injustices faced by marginalized communities, including the 59,000 immigrant families torn apart. She spoke powerfully about the cruelty of cutting food benefits for children “before they can even read,” calling attention to the human cost of policies that harm the most vulnerable.

Mayor Wood proudly affirmed that “these young people are our future,” adding that while Dr. King had a dream, these students are actively awakening it through their words and actions.

The high school orators further demonstrated the promise of tomorrow’s leaders. Ryqah Shaikh challenged the audience to confront inequities in education, stating that “some doors are heavier for some than others.” She emphasized that awareness alone is not enough and called for advocacy and accountability. “A dream only stays a dream if we stay asleep,” she said. “We can become the generation that makes it real.”

Beulah Sarsah called on everyone to “have the courage to be radical” and dared the audience to imagine a world that truly works for everyone. Quoting Frederick Douglass, she reminded listeners that “We the people means all the people.” She spoke movingly about the fears children face going to school and parents face going to work, urging the community to awaken a dream that includes and protects all.

Salima Lankford-Diallo closed with a powerful challenge, asking, “How do we awaken the dream if the world is asleep?” She urged listeners to confront reality head-on, warning that history has a way of repeating itself when ignored. “We have a chance to fix it,” she declared. “Wake up!”

Inspired by the students’ words, Mayor Wood reminded the audience that the event was not just about speeches, but about who these young people are becoming.

In special recognition, Congressman Eugene Vindman congratulated the orators and the organizers as they celebrated the 41st anniversary of the MLK Oratorical Competition. He presented the regional winners with certificates to be entered into the Congressional Record.

The dancers of Divine Inspirations Center for the Arts, Directed by Capriece Piper, brought the message to life with powerful movements and graceful dance choreographed to the words of Maya Angelou.

The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., under the leadership of President Felicia Pryor, is to be commended for sustaining this meaningful MLK commemoration for 41 years. Sorors Joanne Bagnerise and Lillie Jessie were specially recognized for their unwavering commitment to the youth of Prince William County and for their visionary leadership in creating this event in 1985, just one year after the chapter was chartered.

The program concluded on a high note with the MLK Youth Community Choir, whose beautiful and energetic performance brought the audience to its feet. Under the direction of Khanner Hancock Essix, the young singers filled the room with joy, hope, and a powerful reminder that the dream lives on through the voices and actions of our youth.