While Martin Luther King Jr. Day has officially passed, honoring his work and legacy is a year-round commitment. Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs is putting that philosophy into practice with the return of the Annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest, which takes place from February 3rd through February 5th, 2025. To celebrate Black History Month, over 100 elementary and middle school students throughout the City will perform a memorized oration of Dr. King's writings and speeches in front of a panel of judges. This event will occur at the City Hall Council Chambers in Jersey City, located on the 2nd floor at 280 Grove Street. Read on for what we know about the 30th Annual MLK Oratory Competition happening this February in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The Details

The annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest, hosted by Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, is returning for its 30th year this February. In this contest — which begins on February 3rd and ends on February 5th — over 100 students from grades three to eight will compete for the best-memorized oration of one of Dr. King's writings or speeches.

Photo Credit: Office of Cultural Affairs

Grades three to five will perform on February 3rd from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Grades six to eight will perform on February 4th from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. The final competition featuring finalists from both groups will take place on February 5th from 3:30PM to 6PM, where Senator Angela McNight and Council President Joyce Watterman will present the awards. Trophies and checks for $500, $250, and $100 will be granted to the first, second, and third-place winners.

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The students of McNair Academic High School will emcee this year's competition. In addition, attendees can look forward to welcoming remarks from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop on the first day of the event. The participating judges include the JCPD Community Liaisons, the JC Poet Laureate, the Department of Recreation + the Deputy City Clerk, and Jersey City Council Members Richard Boggiano and Yousef J. Saleh.

This contest will be held at Jersey City's City Hall Council Chambers, at 280 Grove Street on the 2nd floor.

About the 30th Annual MLK Oratory Competition

Photo Credit: Office of Cultural Affairs

The Annual MLK Oratory Competition has stood as a celebration of Black History Month and a tribute to Dr. King's Legacy for the past 30 years. The longevity of this contest "speaks volumes about Jersey City’s dedication to [the] community," Migdalia Pagan Milano, Assistant Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, said in a press release.

Migdalia also shared with The Hoboken Girl that this contest, which provides a space for young people to share their voices, encourages community engagement and youth empowerment, as it "[allows] students from various grades to express their thoughts and ideas on social justice and community improvement."

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Jersey City locals are invited to celebrate this cherished tradition. A celebratory cake will also be available to all of those who attend.

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