The power of social media influences the lives of all throughout the world young and old people alike. Everything from news media coverage, pop culture, TV shows, reality shows, music and the Internet plays a vital role in how some people act, think and carry themselves. Social media even influences whether people vote or not and even how they vote. Beta Sigma Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated recognizes the power of this entity which is the basis for this year’s Eighth Annual Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young People’s Oratorical Contest. The theme for this year is: “What Impact Does Social Media Have on Communication and Culture?” From this the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the BSL Educational Foundation Inc. created an educational forum by which Hartford area youth address this theme, propose their unique ideas and solutions, and learned the art of oratory, all while earning scholarships.

 

On the evening of Saturday, January 14, 2012, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will hold the Eighth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Young Peoples Oratorical Contest entitled What Impact Does Social Media Have on Communication and Culture? The contest places eight young orators in a position to express their views. For the eight finalists, the competition is about more than a one-day event; the competition represents months of hard work, dedication, practice, and research.

 

Eight finalists have been chosen from a group of other young orators after presenting original speeches before a selection committee of members from the BSL Educational Foundation Inc. Each orator has attended a public speaking workshop to sharpen their skills in preparation for the "big show" on January 14, 2012. The eight finalists have been paired with coaches from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. to assist them with honing their speeches.  In the weeks leading to the contest, each orator will spend numerous hours working with a mentor to perfect all aspects of their speech. This mentorship will be provided in hopes that upon completion of the competition the students will be well versed in the art of oratory and more knowledgeable about current events directly linked to their lives.