MLK Speak Up! Guidelines and Updates for Week of July 20!

January 16, 2027!

The MLK 2027 Speak UP Oratory Tournament invites fourth- and fifth-grade students from Phoenix area schools to write and deliver original 3–5-minute speeches based on a pre-selected topic inspired by Dr. King’s teachings. The goal is to encourage critical thinking, writing and speaking, while connecting students to Dr. King’s ideals of justice, equality, and hope.

Most of all, these students will release their inner public-speaking genius by finding their voice!

MLK Speak Up! tournament guidelines and updates:

·         Students will share original speeches responding to a question inspired by Dr. King’s ideals of justice, equality and hope (that question will be released in a few weeks).

·         MLK Speak Up! tournament is open to 4^th and 5^th -grade students only (ages 9-11)

·         One student from each grade will be crowned as the winner and will receive a TBD prize. Second and third-place winners will also receive awards.

·         Qualifying rounds will be conducted to determine contestants for final round of competition in January 2027.

·         All participants will deliver a three-to five-minute speech that demonstrates their understanding of Dr. King’s principles while showcasing their writing and public speaking skills.

·         All speeches will be evaluated on (among other things) delivery, stage presence, decorum, and memorization.

·         Local business and community leaders will serve as judges for the event.

·         MLK Speak Up! tournament is free!

·         MLK Speak Up! tournament to be conducted at a single location (time and location TBA)

·         We will be announcing coaching sessions (optional) to work with participants on constructing speeches (not advising them what to say!)

·         All contestants must be registered to compete. No exceptions!

·         Parents of participants must sign a release agreement.

·         Registration opens August 1, 2026, at www.pastorwericcroomes.com

·         MLK Speak Up! is sponsored by the Charley and Dorothy Croomes Foundation (CDCF), a 501(3)(c) charitable organization committed to literacy, education and scholarship. Visit www.pastorwericcroomes.com for more information on CDCF.

·         If you are interested in sponsoring, volunteering, advising or being part of the steering committee, email mlkspeakupplanningcommittee@outlook.com

·         Updates via social media and www.pastowericcroomes.com will be made available each Monday.

Contact me 214.493.2875 or mlkspeakupplanningcommittee@outlook.com