MLK JR Oratory Competition

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to host the Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition in Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, the competition is designed to highlight the cultural diversity and talent of local communities while recognizing and encouraging the writing and public speaking skills of elementary school students.

Each year, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Dallas, Houston, and Chicago elementary schools are invited to compose and present original three- to five-minute speeches based on a pre-selected topic, incorporating ideals from Dr. King’s teachings. The students’ speeches celebrate Dr. King’s lasting influence and demonstrate how his words inspire and shape their lives.

Each regional competition begins with virtual or in-school qualifying rounds, followed by semifinals and finals. At each stage, students are evaluated on delivery, stage presence, decorum, content interpretation, and memorization. The final rounds are judged by panels of prominent community and local business leaders.

The topic for the 2025 competition is, “What would Dr. King tell us about our responsibility as citizens and leaders in America today?”

The final round of Foley’s MLK Jr. Oratory Competition in each city will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the following times and locations:

Chicago

When: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

Where: The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611

Dallas

When: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

Where: AT&T Performing Arts Center
Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre
2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Houston

When: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

Where: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Christ
500 Clay Street
Houston, TX 77002