annual oratorical contest 2024 Theme African-Americans and the arts
Congratulations to 2023 winnersRahbyn Lampkin 11th Grader
from University High
2nd Place Kholin Young
3rd Place Nylah Jordan
Grades 9-12 So Cal Residents Welcome
2024 Theme: AFRICAN AMERICANS and THE ARTS
African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Reniassance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans. For more on the theme click here.
About The Contest
Since 1950 the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has presented an oratorical contest for students to compete for cash scholarships. This contest is presented in Los Angeles in conjunction with Our Authors Study Club (OASC), the local branch of ASALH and the Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Each year the theme is selected by ASALH and presented by students in their local regions. It is with great pride that we continue this tradition of coveting
great speakers and awarding young scholars.
1st Place $750 2nd Place $400 3rd Place $350 APPLY NOW
SGRho Sigma Sigma Los Angeles
Sigma Sigma was chartered in 1939 by Soror Ruby G. Peake and was assisted by Sorors Hattie McDaniel and Catherine White Williams. The local alumnae chapter carries out the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc. and is dedicated to education, health & wellness and empowerment for the communities that we serve. Current Basileus (President) is Soror Tawanda Carpenter. For more info:
Happy Contest Winners
Contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12
from Los Angeles or surrounding areas. Are you the next Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Amanda Gorman, Anna Navarro or Joaquin Castro?
Have you got skills? Can you wow a crowd? Congrats 2023 Winners
Rahbyn Lampkin 1st Place
Kholin Young 2nd Place
Nylah Jordan 3rd Place
Honorable Mention Tyler Johnson, Hunter Young & Wesley Ekpo
We wanna hear from you!
Our Authors Study Club
Our Authors Study Club was founded by Vassie D. Wright, who was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. In 1945, she and a group of postal workers formed OASC to study the true history of African People. She is responsible for LA's 1st city wide Negro History Week celebration, which evolved to the current observation of Black History Month in Los Angeles. Mrs. Wright was born in Paola, Kansas and was educated in Colorado, Kansas and at USC. Mrs. Wright petitioned Carter G. Woodson (The Father of Black History) to charter OASC as the Los Angeles Branch of what is now known as ASALH.
For more info: https://asalh.org/
Current president of OASC is Mrs. Lura Ball https://oascla.org/