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Nearly six decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Southern Methodist University, eight young Dallas students stepped onto the same stage to reflect on his legacy.
The finalists spoke to a packed auditorium on how King would reflect on how far America has come during the 32nd annual Foley & Lardner MLK Jr. Oratory Competition on Friday.
Aiden Body of Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary School eloquently broke down King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech by talking about money.”In his speech, [King] said ‘We’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check,’” the fourth grader said. “That check he was talking about is freedom, prosperity and peace.”
Depending on the color of someone’s skin, some may see a negative amount in their bank account, he explained.
It’s been more than half a century since his death, and many Americans are living with the same problems, Aiden said. But “there’s still hope,” he noted.
“It is now time to speak up and claim our money from the bank of freedom, prosperity and peace,” Aiden said as he concluded his speech. “Today is our payday.”
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Immediately after he finished, the auditorium erupted in applause.
The 9-year-old’s speech and execution won him first place in the competition, along with $2,000. Body smiled brightly and shot his fists in the air when he realized he would be named the winner.
Aiden plans to celebrate by eating sushi and buying new Pokémon cards.
Jzairus Hopkins-Swanson, of Thomas Tolbert Elementary School, earned second place, winning $1,000. Kennedy Smith, of Charles Rice Learning Center, won third place, taking home $600.
The remaining five finalists — Michelle Nkana, of Solar Preparatory School for Girls; Khalyn Thomas, of Eddie Bernice Johnson Elementary School; Ivan Shtonda, of Arturo Salazar Elementary School; Ariel Strain, of Elisha M. Pease Elementary School; and Zayden Vaughn, of Frederick Douglass Elementary School — each won $200
An anonymous Foley & Lardner client matched the prize money awards, doubling the initial amount.
The eight finalists were selected from among more than 80 Dallas ISD students who submitted video submissions.
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This year’s judges included DeMarcus Ware, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker; Texas Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas; Dallas police Chief Eddie García; radio personality Lady Jade; pastor Ritchie Butler; and Stephanie Zapata Moore, executive vice president and general counsel of Vistra.
“Take a deep breath before you speak. Be yourself,” West told the contestants before their speeches. “Look out there. Don’t be afraid of the people.”
In preparation for the competition, many of the contestants said they worked on their posture, pronunciation of words, projection and looking straight.
Ivan, for example, said he practiced his speech more than 30 times, experimenting with the words’ enunciation.
The youngsters also learned about King and how he helped change the world.
Their speeches reminded the audience that King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was one of hope, that nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people and of some of the ways the country has progressed, such as by electing its first Black president and vice president.
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Skye Turner, a runner-up at the 2018 competition, belted out “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” while the judges deliberated. Since she last competed, Skye has performed as a young Tina Turner on Broadway and a young Aretha Franklin in the artist’s 2021 biopic “Respect.”
“Today has been a wonderful reminder to me that no matter who we are, it is up to each of us to do more each day,” Foley & Lardner CEO Daljit Doogal said. “Understand, respect and support each other with compassion and humility.”