Good Morning POU!
This week the Open Thread topic will focus on our struggle for education, from the right to learn to the right to equality in learning.
Today I would just like to share these news segments regarding some very bright students in Baltimore. These talented and extraordinary teens are incredible orators – defying the negative stereotypes that are pervasive in our media regarding our children. These are the 2013 and 2014 winners featured in the news segments courtesy of WJZ.
2014 Winner – Jakim Burns
There was tough competition at this year’s Black History Oratory Contest but in the end, 15-year-old Jakim Burns’ speech about President Barack Obama took the grand prize.
“The drum roll and then she called my name. It’s still unbelievable,” Burns said. “I am still really excited about it.”
Emceed by WJZ’s own Gigi https://www.glenerinpharmacy.com/buy-cipro-online/ Barnett, Maryland high school students chose one of three quotes from leaders in the African-American community.
“I wanted to speak with the black men in the community and talk about what we can do as a group and President Barack Obama, he was perfect. He is a perfect example of where black men should be,” Burns said.
2013 Winner – Joshua Campbell
The 2013 winner–Joshua Campbell–was incredibly poised on stage for just 14 years old. “This boy Benjamin grew up in a rough part of Detroit and struggled to make good grades in school,” Campbell said. “No matter where I go in life, it’s the stuff you learn on the way there that’s going to have the most impact.”
The 2014 Otis Moss Oratorical Contest at Morehouse College.