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Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter BSL Lambda Educational Foundation, Inc. Greater Hartford P.O. Box 335 Hartford, CT 06141 www.hartfordalphas.com

Avery Gaddis, President Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad, Vice President Dr. G. Duncan Harris, President BSL Educational Foundation, Inc.

September, 2012

Dear Friend;

The BSL Educational Foundation of Alpha Fraternity,Inc, Greater Hartford Chapter with sponsoring support by Travelers Insurance, proudly presents the 9th Annual Bro. Dr. Martin Luther , Jr. Young People’s Oratorical Contest Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Bethel AME Church Bloomfield, CT. The theme is: “In the 21st Century, What is the Role of Youth in Democracy?” Dr. King’s message of and social justice continues to resonate as young people look to find their place and role in a democratic society. Dr. King’s, voice through powerful oratory, galvanized people of the world. The theme challenges our youth to find their voices and express what is important to them as they become of age in the 21st century.

Prior to competing, the eight finalists must complete a rigorous schedule of preliminary screening and a public speaking workshop. The participants will also be provided with one-on-one coaching by an assigned mentor from BSL Educational Foundation. Speeches must be original and have no more than 1000 words in length (5-7 minutes).

Students may register by completing the attached registration form. Included is a copy of the rules, requirements and judging criteria. A copy of this package is also available on our website: www.hartfordalphas.com

During the program, information will be provided on the inaugural year of “The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial” built on the Mall in Washington, D.C. in honor of Dr. King. Dr. King was “Alpha man” initiated at in Boston, MA.

The BSL Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization that receives grants from local corporations, civic groups and faith-based institutions, as well as from individual sponsorship of fraternity brothers. Contributions are 100% tax deductible. More information about the chapter and its programs can be found on our website: www.hartfordalphas.com. A few initiatives of the Foundation include: Project Alpha, a program held in the fall and spring targeted for males ages 12-18; an oratorical contest; the Eastern Regional Leadership Development Institute for rising high school juniors and seniors; and scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors and college students.

PLEASE SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH STUDENTS WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE ORATORICAL CONTEST AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO WANT TO SUPPORT THE ENDEAVOR.

Thank you for your support. Persons seeking additional information regarding the Oratorical Contest should contact one of the following committee members: Ronald Atwater: (909) 743-3892 Leon Peters: (860) 2995196 Elbert Gray: (860) 593-9028 Rufus Jones: (860) 550-4948 Dr. G. Duncan Harris :( 860) 983-9578

Enclosures (4): Contest Registration Form, Contest Eligibility, Rules and Requirements and Judging Criteria

“Let justice roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream” Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc BSL Educational Foundation, Inc. Presents The 9th Annual Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young People’s Oratorical Contest

“In the 21st Century, What is the Role of Youth in Democracy?” January 12, 2013 4PM – 7PM Bethel AME Church 1154 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT

Contest Eligibility, Rules and Requirements: Eligibility: Students must be attending an accredited school within the Greater Hartford County or home schooled. There will be two groups: Middle School and High School. Each group will have four (4) contestants. Previous MLK Oratorical Contest Finalists: 1st and 2nd Place Winners in previous MLK Oratorical Contests are not eligible to compete in the same group. For example a 1st or 2nd Place Winner in Middle School can only complete in the High School group.

Prospective contestants must complete the registration form by 11/10/2012. A parent and organization or school sponsor (teacher or guidance counselor) must sign the registration form.

Registrants must write an original speech of 1000 words maximum, typed and double-spaced. The speech must be available and presented at the 11/10/2012 MLK Oratorical Contest Tryouts. Selection for eight finalists will be made after all speeches are presented to Brothers of Fraternity, Inc. Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter. Site: CREC Central Office 111 Oak Ave, Hartford, CT at 9:00 a.m.

Finalists will be required to attend a public speaking workshop presented by the BSL Educational Foundation, Inc. The workshop is designed to prepare participants for the oratorical contest. It will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the learning Resource Center, room A108; Manchester Community College

Each finalist will be assigned a mentor from the BSL Educational Foundation who will provide guidance and support leading up to the contest. The participant and mentor will determine individual practice sessions.

On the day of the contest, participants will be expected to arrive at the site at 3:30 P.M. A copy of the speech should be typed, and double-spaced and must be presented to the Chief Judge prior to the start of the program. A parent or guardian must accompany each contestant. Each finalist is expected to extend invitations to members of their family, classmates, teachers and friends.

There will be separate awards for the Middle School and High School Finalists, who will compete within their own groups. Each group will have the following scholarship prize opportunities:

1st Place - $3,000 Scholarship 2nd Place -$2,000 Scholarship 3rd Place -$1,000 Scholarship 4th Place- $500 Scholarship

The BSL Educational Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization that receives grants from local corporations, civic groups, and faith based institutions, as well as through individual sponsorship by fraternity brothers. Contributions are 100% tax deductible. More information about the chapter and its programs can be found at our website: www.hartfordalphas.com. A few initiatives of the foundation include Project Alpha, a program held in the fall and spring targeted for males ages 12-18; an oratorical contest; and Eastern Regional Leadership Development Institute for rising high school juniors and seniors; scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors and college students.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc BSL Educational Foundation Inc. Presents 9th Annual Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young People’s Oratorical Contest

“In the 21st Century, What is the Role of Youth in Democracy?”

January 12, 2013 4PM-7PM Bethel AME Church 1154 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT

Registration Form: Name ______

Address ______

City______State ______Zip Code______

Home Telephone ______

E-Mail Address ______

School ______

Grade______

Parent/Guardian ______

Parent/Guardian Signature (permission) ______

Sponsor/Guidance Counselor______

Contestant’s Pledge:

I will participate in all required sessions leading to the Oratorical Contest Date. My written speech will be original. If I include the words or expressions of others, they will be referenced properly. If I am selected as a finalist, I will work diligently to invite family and friends to attend the contest to support me.

Registrant’s signature: ______

Date: ______

Important Date: November 10, 2012: Completed Registration Form is due. Send form to the address below. Registrations can be provided the day of the tryouts. TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD AT CREC Central Office, 111 Charter Oak Ave, HARTFORD, CT at 9:00 A.M. November 10, 2012: All registrants deliver their speeches and Judges select the final eight contestants December 1, 2012: Public Speaking Workshop Learning Resource Center A108; Manchester Community College 9:00 A.M. January 12, 2013: MLK Oratorical Contest at Bethel AME Church, Bloomfield, CT Mailing Address Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ΑΦΑ Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter P.O Box 335 Hartford, CT 06141

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. BSL Educational Foundation, Inc. Presents 9th Annual Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young People’s Oratorical Contest

“In the 21st Century, What is the Role of Youth in Democracy?”

January 12, 2013 4 PM- 7PM Bethel AME Church 1154 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT

Contest Judging Criteria:

Criteria Possible Points Intellectual Quality of Content – The issue is addressed with 30 creative solutions, insights and a fresh perspective. Logic Flow – The arguments made in the opening are supported with related facts, ideas, examples and research throughout the 30 body of the speech, and the conclusions drawn are based upon these supported arguments. Vocalization - Speaking volume varies to enhance emotional quality. Full pitch and variations in speaking rate adds to the impact 15 of the speech. Non-Verbal Communication – Eye Contact with varying sections of audience. Posture, facial expressions, & hand movement are 10 aligned with content and add value to presentation. Grammar & Diction – Structure of sentences and choice of vocabulary allows for issues to be identified precisely and 10 arguments to be explained concisely. Audience Engagement & Response – Delivery of speech peeks audience attention and interests. Reaction of audience following the 5 completion of the speech. Total Score and Overview Commitment 100