32nd Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition crowns winner at SMU

DALLAS - The 32nd annual Foley and Lardner MLK Oratory Competition was held on the stage at McFarlin Auditorium at SMU on Friday.

Dr. King spoke at the auditorium on March 17, 1966. 

Eight Dallas ISD finalists talked about his iconic 1963 speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

Students researched, wrote and delivered their speech on the theme "How would Dr. King reflect on the 60 years since his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?"

The speeches were evaluated by esteemed judges from law enforcement, politics, religion, social media, business and sports.

The winner was 9-year-old Aiden Body of T.L. Marsalis Elementary School.

"If someone says you can't have this job, say no, it's my payday. If someone says you have the wrong skin color, say no, it's my payday. If someone says you can't live here, say no, it's my payday. If someone says you can't go to this top college, say no, it's my payday," Aiden said during his speech.

"How would Dr. King reflect in the 60 years since his 'I Have a Dream' speech? I think if he was still alive, he'd tell us it's now time to speak up and claim our money from the bank of freedom, prosperity and peace. Today is our payday," he continued.

Aiden won $2,000, plus he and all the finalists got an Apple iPad, a book about Dr. King, an SMU swag bag, a Foley gift bag and a commemorative plaque.

The finalists received money as well.

FOX 4 was proud to be the media sponsor of the event.