31st annual King Day Youth Oratorical Celebration Jan. 18, 2021 to be virtual on YouTube

The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Program on Monday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m., via its YouTube Channel – PWCAC-DST-MEDIA) .

The 2021 theme, “Beyond the Dream – Young Voices with Something to Say” was chosen because we continually prioritize the voices of our youth with this annual competition.

Youth are not the only people who can dream big. The program’s new committee chair, Sheila MG Mitchell was determined not to let a pandemic be an impediment to producing a premiere event to showcase the talents of students in the Prince William community.

“Pivoting to a virtual production certainly presents its challenges, but it also provides opportunities.  For example, our potential audience moves well beyond, Prince William County and the DMV.  Plus, virtual attendance provided our special guest, the Rev. Al Sharpton, the flexibility to say ‘yes’!”  Rev. Sharpton is President and Founder of National Action Network.

Over the past 30 years, the program’s youth orators have amazed and inspired large audiences with thoughtful ideas, impactful delivery and a clear vision and call to action. 

“The 31st year will be a continuation of this spirit of excellence and its virtual nature will broaden the audience that is able to celebrate Dr. King with us,” said Sharon McCarthy Andrews, President PWCAC-DST. “We can also engage the audience with a new voting feature.”  Audience members will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite orator with a new text-to-vote feature.

Always an audience favorite, the MLK Community choir will be virtual this year. Under the musical direction of Candace Williams, the choir will perform selections that recognize the late Congressman John Lewis.

In addition to the Jan. 18 event performance, a preview concert will be broadcasted on PWCAC DST YouTube channel and the Chinn Library social media outlets on Jan. 2, 2021 at 3 p.m.

PWCAC-DST also invites the local community to participate in its “Day of Service” project in conjunction with the King Day program. Donations of shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and razors will be collected at the Upper Room Christian Cathedral, 10654 Wakeman Court, Manassas, VA 20110 on Jan. 18, 2021 from 3 to 6 p.m.  This is near Manassas Airport. Items collected will benefit the clients of Manassas Hunger & Homeless Outreach Ministries of Manassas.

For more information on the oratorical program, day of service, fundraising efforts and donation opportunities go to http://www.pwcacdst.org  Regi.ster to receive updates on the program at Eventbrite.

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The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of college educated women, actively engaged in programs of public service. In December 2019, the chapter celebrated 35 years of commitment to sisterhood, scholarship and service and recommitted to the continuation of this responsibility in the future. For more information, go to http://www.pwcacdst.org