2006 Oratory Contest Winning Essays

Let your voice be heard
For its word will sink in
Let your voice be heard
For all to understand

Let me hear your voice
For your word has meaning
Let me hear your voice
For your word is music to my ears

Let me hear your voice
For diversity is what we need
Let me hear your voice
For diversity is what we shall have

You were a man of honor
Honor only to be earned
We marched with you thick and thin
Yet we persevered

You showed us diversity
No matter the color of our skin
Whether we are black or white
Hispanic or Italian

We remember your name
Not on how you died
But what you did in your life
For us to celebrate your name

I'll remember you now
I'll remember you later
For as we celebrate you
I will hold fast to your dreams

"Hold Fast to the Dream"
by Imagene Bailey, Oakland Community College

Dr. King had a dream that one day little black boys and girls would be able
to share the same learning experiences as little white boys and girls. Well
we are, and that our children would be able to attend the same colleges, yes
we are, share the same occupational advantages. In some cases we are doing
that as well.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Christian man who held close to values and
the teachings from the Bible. He believed in God and his son Jesus. Dr.
King lived a life filled with suffering and struggles. Why, because he had a
dream. His vision was far beyond his years.

As I look at the world today I weep, our young men and women half way
around the globe, in a land risking their lives for a war that is not clearly
understood. These are our children from the North, the South, the East, and
the West. Right here in Michigan. Although Martin dreamed that one day
we as a nation of black people would be free from the ruminants of slavery,
discrimination, and economic oppression, we are still enslaved. Yes, enslaved with the burdens that often overwhelm us with this life.
Public schools closing their doors. Youth programs being discontinued.
Young people afraid to walk the streets in fear of being gang beat, or robbed
of a pair of sneekers, or a coat.

We are enslaved with the yoke of depression, drugs, and excuses. This is not
the dream Martin wanted us to hold fast to. The bible teaches us to hold
fast to the promises of God.

That if we as a people would turn from our wicked ways, and seek Gods
face then He will heal the land. Our land is sick! Filled with shattered
dreams from yesterday; our families have become broken pieces put together,br> with other broken pieces. We have become a nation of people that
consumes all, yet never becoming satisfied.

I believe Dr. King wanted us to dream the dreams of emotional health,
physical well being, and social balance. When we learn to dream the dreams
that produce the fruits of the spirit, we will begin to live a life filled with
love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, self control, gentleness, and
faithfulness.

Faith that will pass all understanding that will move mountains in our lives,
Faith that will allow us to look at each other through the eyes of love, not
hate.
Faith that will teach us how to help each other, not look for an excuse to
hate.
Faith to believe that we can make things happen, if we try, we can be that
vessel unto honor.

When we do this we will be able to “Hold Fast to His Dream”
Realizing the struggle is not over! But that, the healing is beginning.