A remarkable moment unfolded at the **Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre** in Dallas on **February 24, 2023**, when fourth grader **Blen Teklu** won first place in the **34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition**. Blen delivered a powerful speech, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal challenges through love rather than hate.
Standing confidently on stage, illuminated by violet lights, Blen captivated an audience of fellow students, educators, and parents. Her performance included a heartfelt poem she authored, which resonated with the theme of hope. “I will dream and I will try to lift my voice and reach the sky. With hope and love, I will carry on, because the dream lives on and on,” she articulated, echoing the sentiments of Dr. King.
Upon learning about her victory, Blen’s reaction was one of disbelief and joy. She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, and expressed that the moment exceeded her happiness on her birthday. The competition posed a significant question to participants this year: “As a student of Dr. King’s life, what message of hope do you think he would have for the world today?” In her response, Blen urged her peers to maintain hope and courage in speaking out.
Blen concluded her speech with a powerful reminder: “[Dr. King would] tell us, ‘Don’t lose hope.’ Keep dreaming, keep working, keep loving. The world can still be better because of you.” Her words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, underscoring the impact of her message.
Competition’s Growth and Impact
The **MLK Oratory Competition** has a rich history, originating in **1993** as a modest gathering in a lunchroom. Over the years, it has expanded to include participants from cities like **Houston** and **Chicago**. According to **Michael Newman**, an attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP who has been involved with the event, the competition has become a larger production while maintaining its core mission: showcasing the talent of **Dallas ISD** students.
“What I have seen over these last 30 years of watching the competition is the students will astound you,” Newman remarked. He emphasized the importance of the event in inspiring young voices and encouraging public speaking. Initial rounds of the competition took place in the fall, culminating in semifinals in December that narrowed contestants down to eight finalists who presented their speeches on stage.
This year’s competition saw **Cameron Kinder**, a fourth grader from **Clara Oliver Elementary School**, claim second place, while **Kennedy King**, a fifth grader at **Solar Preparatory School for Girls**, secured third place. Other finalists included **Maricruz Cano**, **Austin Goode**, **Marlie Jenkins**, **Audrey Soto**, and **Destiny Williams**. All finalists received a laptop, a plaque, and a gift bag as recognition for their efforts.
The first-place winner, Blen, was awarded **$1,000**, while second and third place received **$500** and **$300**, respectively. In a generous twist, an anonymous donor matched the prize money, effectively doubling the awards for the top three positions, as revealed by Newman during the ceremony.
Inspiration for Future Generations
The judging panel included **Dalton Sherman**, the winner of the competition in **2008**, who reflected on his own journey and the joy of public speaking. Sherman, who previously attended **Charles Rice Learning Center**, expressed gratitude for being part of the students’ journeys. “This is just an incredible full-circle moment for me,” he stated.
As for Blen, her aspirations extend beyond oratory. She hopes to write more poetry and dreams of becoming a pediatrician. After the competition, she celebrated with her family, taking photographs in front of the MLK banner, embodying the spirit of Dr. King. “Dr. King was a good person, and I wanted to be like him too,” she remarked, highlighting the inspiration that continues to resonate through generations.
The **Dallas Morning News Education Lab** plays a pivotal role in deepening coverage and conversation about education issues in North Texas. Funded by various community supporters, including the **Communities Foundation of Texas** and **Dallas Regional Chamber**, the Education Lab retains editorial independence while focusing on critical educational topics and initiatives.
