According to The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain, it was Twain who said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” Thirty-four undergraduate students at Prairie View A&M University found out just how true this statement was when they entered the first ever Black History Month Essay and Oratorical Contest, “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture”, co-sponsored by PVAMU and the Houston Livestock and Rodeo.
The contest was made possible by The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) when the organization generously awarded $100,000 to the PVAMU to assist in fostering the intellectual and social development of students. A portion of those funds went toward developing an essay/oratorical contest that would award cash prizes to students who demonstrated high levels of proficiency in writing and speech.
Interested students wrote and submitted a 1,500 word essay on the progress/achievement that African-Americans have made in the last century in the quest for freedom and equality. Writers of the best five essays moved on to compete in the oratorical component of the contest.
Demario Lowe took home first place, winning $2,500 cash with his highly animated essay delivery. Lowe argued that African Americans had made significant progress over the years demonstrated by the fact that they were no longer subject to physical oppression. Lowe finished his speech by proposing that African Americans invest in their own communities by controlling media sources, creating businesses, and setting their sights on “internal empowerment.”
Second place winner, Lorenzo Tolbert received a $2,000 cash prize. His carefully crafted, controlled but energetic delivery extolled the idea that the African American story is one of “tragedy and triumph.” Tolbert called for African Americans to embrace their history and reclaim the zeal of the prominent past leaders such as Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglas, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nia Shy, won third place and a $1,500 cash prize. In a direct and uncompromising manner, Shy expounded upon her position that while African Americans have made progress over the past century, the change has not been systemic. Instead, it had been episodic characterized as “momentous moments” that were not long lasting, permanent, deeply ingrained or indelible.
Runners up, Jaylen James and Kehinde Ogunseye, received $500.
Representing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) were Mr. Ernie Collins, a retired Exxon Mobile executive and his wife, Mrs. Floretta Collins, a retired educator. Both are not only alumni and supporters of Prairie View A&M University, they are leaders among the Black Heritage Committee of the HLSR.
The President’s Essay/Oratorical Contest will take place again in 2016 thanks to the generous support of the HLSR.
