Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC) has launched its Rising Voices Oratorical Program, a multi-week intensive experience designed for marginalized and underrepresented youth ages 13-18.
Building on OASC’s 80-year legacy of Black history education, this transformative program culminates in a finals competition with scholarships totaling $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply today at www.oascla.org/oratorical-contest. The deadline is April 12.
The OASC Rising Voices program honors the vision of founder Vassie D. Wright and the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson by centering on the annual National Black History theme established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Participants will explore the 2025 theme, African American and Labor, through a social justice lens, connecting historical contexts to current realities affecting their communities.
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“The Rising Voices Oratorical Program empowers young people to research, analyze, and articulate solutions to pressing social challenges while developing essential communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives,” said Lura Daniels-Ball, OASC president.
The program’s structured approach allows participants to develop and deliver 4–5-minute speeches addressing the Black History theme, with evaluation based on content (40%), structure (20%), delivery (25%), and impact (15%).
“OASC Rising Voices transforms the traditional oratorical competition into a comprehensive leadership development program that builds on the rich tradition of oratory in Black history,” said Terri Lyons, Rising Voices coordinator.
“We’re equipping young people with the tools to address contemporary social challenges with confidence, historical awareness, and persuasive skill.”
For more information about the OASC Rising Voices Oratorical Program or to become a coach, email Terri Lyons at Terri@oascla.org.
