To participate in this contest, you must submit a video in one of the following formats:
- Declamation. Submit a 3-5 minute video of you performing a speech, dramatic monologue, or collection of poetry by a black author, activist, politician, influencer, etc. Excerpts are welcomed and the more creative the better!
- Original Oratory. Submit a 3-5 minute original speech about Black History Month. This could include topics like significant historical events and people, what black history month means to you, a speech about issues pertaining to current events, etc.
Contest Time Frame:
January 15, 2023- February 14, 2023
Finalists will be posted on social media for a public vote.
The voting window will be from February 19th-23rd.
Winners announced March 2nd.
Please submit your videos to arielle@debate.nyc
Eligibility:
In order to enter the contest, your school must be a member of the NYCUDL Open League, participate in debate through District 7, 9, 15, or 16, participate in debate through the Middle School Quality Initiative, or be a Debate Club participant.
Prizes:
There will be two divisions: Declamation and Original Oratory.
Divisions will be subdivided by age group dependent on the age of students submitting, and each will have three winners.
1st Place: $50
2nd Place: $25
3rd Place: $10
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged on the following criteria
- Quality of written or chosen content
- Articulation
- Overall presentation
Submission Guidelines:
- Participants must submit their videos to arielle@debate.nyc AND complete this form by February 14th.
- Videos can be submitted by:
- Form
- Unlisted link through Youtube
- Google drive with permissions enabled
- Videos can be submitted by:
- Make sure your camera is well positioned (and horizontal—if recording on phone)
- Make sure that there is no background noise
- Make sure that there is sufficient lighting
- Replay the video to check for sound
** Any questions about video submissions can be directed to arielle@debate.nyc
🌞Need some inspiration?
Take a look at the videos submitted by last year’s finalists!