Time to Spotlight and Hear From Our Youth, Meet the Voices of the Future! Get the full details about the contest and meet the Coaches.

About the Contest

Since 1950 the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has presented an oratorical contest for students to compete for cash scholarships. This contest is presented in Los Angeles in conjunction with Our Authors Study Club (OASC), the local branch of ASALH and the Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Each year the theme is selected by ASALH and presented by students in their local regions. It is with great pride that we continue this tradition of encouraging inspiring and great speakers and awarding young scholars. Creating a platform for them to develop and hone new skills and greater confidence as they navigate the world around them.

About the Theme - Annually released by ASALH

When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.

For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, an exploration of ASALH’s Black History themes is itself instructive. Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.

The changes notwithstanding, the list reveals an overarching continuity in ASALH–our dedication to exploring historical issues of importance to people of African descent and race relations in America.

2024 Theme: African Americans and the Arts

African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.

For the full summary log on to https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/

THE PARTNERS:

About Our Authors Study Club, Inc. - Our Authors Study Club was founded by Vassie D. Wright, who was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. In 1945, she and a group of postal workers formed OASC to study the true history of African People. She is responsible for LA's 1st city wide Negro History Week celebration, which evolved to the current observation of Black History Month in Los Angeles. Mrs. Wright was born in Paola, Kansas and was educated in Colorado, Kansas and at USC. Mrs. Wright petitioned Carter G. Woodson (The Father of Black History) to charter OASC as the Los Angeles Branch of what is now known as ASALH. For more info: https://asalh.org/OASC - https://oascla.org/

About Sigma Gamma Rho, Sigma Sigma Chapter Los Angeles - Sigma Sigma was chartered in 1939 by Soror Ruby G. Peake and was assisted by Sorors Hattie McDaniel and Catherine White Williams. The local alumnae chapter carries out the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc. and is dedicated to education, health & wellness and empowerment for the communities that we serve. Current Basileus (President) is Soror Tawanda Carpenter. For more info: SGRHO Los Angeles

To apply for the contest log on here: https://OratoricalContest.com