BUSD is proud to announce our 2021 Black History Oratorical Fest Competition taking place virtually on April 22 for Middle Schools and April 29 for Elementary Schools.
How to Attend
Middle School Competition
April 22, 2021
5:00 pm
Attend at this Zoom link: tinyurl.com/BHOF-MIDDLESCHOOL
Elementary School Competition
April 29, 2021
5:00 pm
Attend at this Zoom link: tinyurl.com/BHOF-ELEMENTARYSCHOOL
The First BUSD Black History Oratorical Fest
The first BUSD Annual Black History Oratorical Fest Competition was held in 2018, with the purpose of uplifting Blackness, while providing Berkeley students with an opportunity to shine through public speaking. Students recited published or original speeches, skits, spoken word, and poems from educators, entrepreneurs, government officials, and other authors related to the theme.
This Year’s Theme: Black Women Triumph
This year’s theme is Black Women Triumph, where students will present original or published speeches focused on the brilliance, creativity, and talent that allow generations of Black women to triumph. We have a range of skits, rap, spoken word, speeches, and poetry performances by our talented students (8 elementary students and 17 middle school students) this year.
The BUSD Black History Oratorical Fest Competition is designed to give Berkeley students an opportunity to shine through public speaking. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each division are selected by a panel of judges and will receive trophies. Additionally, all participants will receive a participation t-shirt for qualifying to compete in the final competition.
The Black History Oratorical Fest has been described by School Board Vice President Ka’Dijah Brown as “one of the jewels of the District.” Ann Marie Callegari, Supervisor of the Office of Family Engagement and Equity (OFEE) and coordinator of this inspirational event, says “The Black History Oratorical Fest has carved a permanent space in the hearts of our students, families and school staff. Despite the many challenges of this year’s uncertainties, our students continue to express their feelings, show their exquisite talent, and will shine brightly at our 2021 Black History Oratorical Fest Event.”
We hope you will join us in celebrating our phenomenal student talent at the 2021 BUSD Black History Oratorical Fest.