Black History Month Speech Contest

The NYCUDL is excited to announce our Black History Month Speech Contest. 

To participate in this contest must submit a video in one of the following formats:

1. Declamation.  Submit a 3-5 minute video of you reenacting a speech, dramatic monologue, or collection of poetry by a black author, activist, politician, influencer, etc. The more creative the better! (Excerpts are welcome)
2. Original Oratory. Submit a 3-5 minute original speech about Black History Month. This could include topics such as significant historical events or people, what black history month means to you, highlighting issues that are pertinent to current events.  

Contest Time Frame: 

February 1, 2023- February 13, 2023 

Finalists will be posted on social media for a public vote. Voting window is Feb 16th-20th.

We will also be announcing winners on all of our social media platforms. 

Winners announced on Feb 27th.

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, or 16, participate in debate through the Middle School Quality Initiative, or you must be a Debate Club participant.

Prizes:

There will be six divisions: ES Declamation, ES Original Oratory, MS Declamation, MS Original Oratory, HS Declamation, and HS Original Oratory with 3 winners in each division.

1st Place: $50

2nd Place: $25

3rd Place: $10

Judging Criteria 

Submissions will be judged on the following criteria 

• Quality of content 
• Articulation 
• Presentation

Submission Guidelines:

• Participants must submit their videos to Olivia@debate.nyc  AND complete this form by March 1st
  • Videos can be submitted by:
    • Unlisted link through Youtube 
    • Google drive with permissions enabled 
• 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 olivia@debate.nyc

Here are some Previous Finalists:

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