MLK Jr Oratorical Contest

On a rainy, thundering, and even hailing Thursday evening, the UCLA gospel choir performed at UCLA's annual Martin Luther King Junior Oratorical Contest. It was held in the De Neve auditorium (the dorms). This year's theme was "Promised Land or Wilderness?" Is America finally in the promise land of equality and true independence or are we still in wilderness?
There were awesome spoken word and influential speeches that really engaged with the audience. Made me think about how much the United States has changed since MLK Jr's death in 1968. We've still got a long way to go. Racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, and the list goes on and on. Those still exist. But there's no question about the progress our nation has made thus far in the pursuit of equality and freedom. Most presentations concluded with the idea that we are still wandering in the wilderness but progressively getting closer and close to the promise land.

The UCLA gospel choir really "rocked the house" that night. The 100+ voices sang anthems of hope, justice, peace, and freedom--all of which MLK Jr avidly supported and dreamed of. Although some people in the audience and stage were not of the christian faith, the themes of liberty and tranquility embedded in the words of the gospel songs moved everyone. In fact, a presenter before the gospel choir took stage was an atheist, who expressed his opinions about God and religion.

This was my third year attending this event. I can definitely say that it is getting better and BETTER every year. It's become somewhat of a tradition for the gospel choir to perform at the contest. I look forward to next year's event! Ya'll should all come out too!