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 officially commemorate and celebrate the official launch of the 2023 OASC/Sigma Gamma Rho City-Wide Oratorical Contest.

Since 1950 Our Authors Study Club (OASC), the local branch of ASALH, and the Sigma 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 student 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 national theme is Black Resistance.

At this event, students will have the opportunity to learn about all of the resources available to them as they prepare their orations. Meet other students, hear from inspirational speakers and get all of their questions answered. Refreshments will be served. [Read the full executive summary on the 2023 theme: Black Resistance online at asalh.org.]

NOTE: Check the website for an update on COVID Protocols