28th Annual Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition
Sat, Jan 17
|NJIT Agile Strategy Lab
Experience the power of youth voices, where 7 exceptional young men will deliver inspiring speeches over the prompt, “Dr. King’s perspectives on the world today,” competing for over $5,000 in awards and the prestigious Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Cup.
Time & Location
Jan 17, 2026, 11:00 AM
NJIT Agile Strategy Lab, 355 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102
About the Event
Celebrate the Power of Youth Voice.Join us for the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition, a signature event honoring Dr. King’s legacy through the brilliance and conviction of seven remarkable young men from Essex County.
Guests will enjoy a full buffet brunch as our finalists deliver original speeches on this year’s prompt: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Perspective on the World Today…”
These students will compete for over $5,000 in cash awards and prizes and the prestigious Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Cup — one of the most coveted distinctions bestowed by the Alpha Alpha Lambda Scholarship and Education Foundation.
This year’s finalists:
Karim Ahmad – North Star Downtown Middle School (Newark)
Jeremiah Albizu – Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation (Orange)
Tickets
Early Bird Ticket (until 1/3)
Sale ends
Jan 03, 2026, 11:50 PM
$30.00
+$0.75 ticket service fee
General Admission
$40.00
+$1.00 ticket service fee
Goes on sale
Jan 04, 2026, 12:00 AM
VIP Table (8) w/ Full Page Ad
This table includes 8 seats and your name (or company name) displayed on scrolling marquis. This includes name only. If interested in graphics/logo, please select ad options below.
$300.00
+$7.50 ticket service fee
Student Ticket (Under Age 18)
This discounted ticket is for Children Age 18 an under.
$20.00
+$0.50 ticket service fee
Sponsor Full Page Ad
Your ad will be displayed by itself on our scrolling marquis throughout the event. Ad must be supplied by January 5th to guarantee posting. Email ad to mlk@theaalfoundation.org
$250.00
+$6.25 ticket service fee
Sponsor- Wardrobe (Suit & Tie)
Be the change you want to see by outfitting a future Alpha Man... This sponsorship provides a suit, tie, shirt, shoes, socks and tie for a finalist and will have you placed on our list of event sponsors.
$300.00
+$7.50 ticket service fee
Sponsor 10 Student Tickets
Pay it forward by selecting this option and we will provide 10 seats for students- Free of Charge.
$200.00
+$5.00 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00