News Release

Students encouraged to enter the 2024 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest

Date: November 5, 2024
Contact: John Fowler, [e-mail]

WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is pleased to announce the 2024 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest. Each year, students ages 6-18 years old are invited to perform a part of a Frederick Douglass speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. The contest celebrates Douglass’ activism and the many famed speeches he gave in his efforts to end slavery and promote racial equality and women’s rights. 

Students from around the country are encouraged to apply and become participants in this contest. The virtual speeches will take place on Dec. 4 and 5 and in-person speeches will occur on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Visitor Center located at 1411 W Street SE Washington, DC 20020. Students can choose from four of Douglass’ speeches for their contest presentation. Speeches and other materials to help students prepare for the contest are located at Annual Oratorical Contest- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Students must memorize the speech to perform it in front of a panel of judges to compete for prizes.    

There are four separate award categories: Elementary (grades 1-3), Junior (grades 4-5), Junior High (grades 6-8), and Senior High (grades 9-12). The contest’s judges are volunteers from the community and individuals from the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association (FDMHA).  

In February 2025, the contest’s winners will be invited to perform their award-winning speeches at a Black History Month event in Washington, DC. At this event, students will receive recognition for their accomplishments. 

Frederick Douglass became the most important leader of the movement for African American civil rights in the 19th century. His journey from an enslaved young man to an internationally renowned activist is a continual inspiration for millions. He is known for his brilliant words and brave actions, and he continues to shape the ways that we think about race, democracy, and the meaning of freedom. 

For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/frdo and to sign up for the contest go to Annual Oratorical Contest- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). 

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