MDC North Campus to Host 31st Annual Theodore Gibson Oratorical Competition
Miami, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - The Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project, a joint venture between Miami Dade College and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, will host its final competition on Wednesday, May 14 at Miami Dade College’s North Campus. Over seventy Miami-Dade County Public School students will participate in the 31st anniversary of the event, which is aimed at exposing school children to writings about the black experience throughout the Diaspora. The project also seeks to provide an opportunity for school children to discover and refine public speaking skills through a comprehensive and challenging level of learning and competition.
Dr. José A. Vicente, MDC North Campus President remarked, “The Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project is truly a gem in terms of creating an outstanding learning ground for honing communication skills and promoting self-esteem and confidence in our school children”. Twelve students will emerge as winners at the event, which will be video-streamed. Access will be available through www.mdc.edu/north/live.
The first Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project was held on December 14, 1977 and included students from Booker T. Washington Junior High School. Today, more than thirty-years later the project has blossomed hosting students from intra-school and regional competitions throughout Miami-Dade County. More than 450 students ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grade participated in this year’s preliminary intra-school and region competitions. As part of the competition, participants are required to recite a piece of their work, which should be an original expression, originally written by each participant. Some of the titles included in this year’s competition include, “The State of Black America”, “Let’s Get It: A Bit of Inspiration for Young Haitian Americans”, “Telegram to Hip-Hop”, and “African Queen.” This year’s corporate sponsors include Ibiley Uniforms, NAACP Miami Dade Branch, Balmar Trophies, Inc., and Education Source Inc.
- WHAT: The Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project, final competition and awards ceremony
- WHEN: Wednesday, May. 14, 8:30 AM
- WHERE: MDC’s North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Avenue, Lehman Theatre - Room 5120, Miami
For more information about the Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project, contact Malou Harrison at 305- 237-1565 or mharriso@mdc.edu.