PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (February 28, 2020) – Prairie View A&M University held the finale to its 6th Annual Essay/Oratory Contest on Feb. 26. This year’s topic was In African American’s Own Hands is the One Single Lever to Dismantle Continued Economic, Educational, and Social Inequality: THE VOTE. The topic was a variation of the national theme for Black History Month 2020, African Americans and the Vote.

Students were asked to submit an essay, ranging from 1,700 to 2,500 words, and finalists participated in an oratory clinic to receive extra practice from experts. The contest concluded with the Oratory Contest, where each essay finalist delivered a seven- to nine-minute oration based upon their written essays.

“A seeming quixotic mix of mental acuity and the emotion of racial pride in ancestors who fought against ferocious odds to obtain and protect voting rights for African Americans stirred the very depths of our students’ being,” said Provost Emerita and Professor of Educational Leadership Emma Joahanne Thomas-Smith. “Orators presented items for an African American agenda believed important in evaluating possible candidates, especially those seeking the country’s presidency. Members of the larger than usual oratory showcase audience listened with rapt attention. All could see that Panthers are clearly future world leaders. Contestants understood the historic patterns supporting the ‘shuns’ –namely, oppression, repression, and suppression. Each affirmed the critical importance of THE VOTE at local as well as national levels.”

Nathan Mitchell, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, said, “The finalists presented polished and thoughtful products. The five judges were impressed with the level of research, preparation, and style of each presenter. The judges had a difficult time picking the top prize winners, because each contestant was strong in a different way and presented a unique vision for African American civic engagement.  The university community should be very proud of these young people.  They are going to do great things!”

The contest’s student winners were:

  • 1st: Maydrian Stozier-Lowe, Senior, Political Science – $2,500 and $1,500 from Walmart
  • 2nd: Aaron Darnell Fowler, Senior, Construction Science – $2,000 and $1,000 from Walmart
  • 3rd: Jordan A. Stearns, Senior, Education – $1,500 and $500 from Walmart

Honorable mentions included:

  • Bryanna Barnett, Senior, Finance – $500 and $225 from Walmart
  • Juwan Byers, Senior, Electrical Engineering – $500 and $225 from Walmart

Click below to watch the finalists’ presentations.