Join Mayor Karen Bass; Dr. Lura Daniels-Ball, President of Our Authors Study Club, Inc.; Tawanda Carpenter, Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho, Sigma Sigma Los Angeles Chapter; Curren D. Price, President Pro Tempore, Los Angeles City Council, Councilman Ninth District; Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Councilman, Eight District; Heather Hutt, Councilwoman, Tenth District; Board of Public Works President Pro Tempore Mike Davis and the Board of Public Works; Honorary Chair Michael Lawson, President, and CEO, Los Angeles Urban League; and the 2023 African American Heritage Month Honorary Committee to cheer on the final contestants at the 2023 Our Authors Study Club, Inc./Sigma Gamma Rho City-Wide Oratorical Contest.

Since 1950, Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC), the local branch of ASALH, and the Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. have presented an oratorical contest for students to test their oratorical skills while competing for scholarships. Each year the theme for the students is the annual Black History theme selected by ASALH. The students are encouraged to think deeply and broadly about the subject, focusing on the impact of the theme on Black society. The young people are offered coaching and support over the weeks leading up to the competition. This year’s Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s national theme is Black Resistance.

Contest recruitment is open now through February 28, 2023. Practice days are 2/18/23 and 2/25/23 via Zoom and a 3/4/23 rehearsal in person (the location is to be determined) and refreshments will be served. [Read the full executive summary on the 2023 theme: Black Resistance online at asalh.org.]

Please note: Due to COVID restrictions and current events, this program may not take place in person. We look forward to completing in-person events in 2024.