Selma’s Young Voices Speak Truth, Honor History at Juneteenth Event

On May 6, 2026, Foot Soldiers Park hosted the 4th Annual Juneteenth Oratorical Contest in Selma, bringing together high school students from across Selma and Dallas County for a powerful morning of reflection, courage, and celebration.

The Juneteenth event was created to provide a platform for young people to deliver prepared speeches, showcase their public speaking and critical thinking skills, build confidence, and express their thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the world they are inheriting. This year’s speakers reminded everyone in the room that youth voices are not only powerful — they are necessary.

Held at Selma High School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the contest centered on our annual Juneteenth theme “Still We Rise.” Each year, we invite students to think deeply about history, identity, justice, and the future — and to use their voices to speak with honesty, confidence, and purpose.

Participants are expected to do research to identify their topic and to develop an original speech or use the work of any famous orator except Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, we provided a professional training workshop with a debate coach. Students were coached on preparation, content, vocal delivery, stage presence and special tips for overcoming their fears.

Thirteen students from all public high schools and a private academy participated, representing Selma High School, Southside High School, Keith High School, Dallas County High School, and Ellwood Christian Academy. Through their speeches, they explored the legacy of civil rights, the meaning of Black identity, the challenges young Black people face today, and the continuing importance of protecting voting rights and civic participation.

The Juneteenth event was organized and emceed by Angela Benjamin, Program Manager of Foot Soldiers Park, whose leadership helps create spaces where students can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

A distinguished panel of judges supported this year’s contest, including:

• Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts, our 2026 Lead Judge, Head Coach of the Texas Southern University Debate Team and Adjunct Professor of Social Work. 2025 International Debate Competition Champion (held in Korea)
• Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr., recently Retired Active Alabama State Court Circuit Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit, (elected 3 Terms) in the Largest Geographical Judicial Circuit in the State
• First Lady Jeannie Evans, longtime nurse, healthcare educator, community leader, speech educator, and former First Lady of Selma
• Mr. Austin Williams, Interim Executive Director of the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, 2014 graduate of Dallas County High School, and Masters in Marketing Communications from University of West Alabama 
• Mrs. Wanda Howard Battle, Founder and CEO of Legendary Tours, LLC, master storyteller, singer, and civil rights advocate

This year’s winners are:

• First Place:
  Marquel Carter
  10th Grade, 16 years old
  Ellwood Christian Academy
  Score: 491
  
  Marquel spoke on holding fast to faith through tough times and trusting God will give you the strength to push through, even when you feel like you have nothing left.
• Second Place:
  Madison Smiley
  11th Grade, 16 years old
  Southside High School
  Score: 480
  
  Madison spoke about the parallels between the injustices and violence Black Americans have endured throughout history and the recent unrest and killings of ICE protestors in Minneapolis. Madison reminded the audience that when injustice shows up, resistance must follow.
• Third Place:
  DeAngelo Carrion
  9th Grade, 14 years old
  Selma High School
  Score: 459
  
  DeAngelo talked about the enduring significance of Juneteenth, cautioning that its cultural weight is quietly being eroded by the persistent, often invisible forces of systemic racism.

The school that has the first place winner received the highly sought after Traveling School Trophy and the honor of 365 days school bragging rights across all of Selma-Dallas County, Alabama. This year, Ellwood Christian Academy (ECA) took the trophy from 2025 reigning champion, Selma High School. ECA will post the floor-standing trophy in their main school entrance for all to see.

Foot Soldiers Park extends deep gratitude to Selma High School for continuing to serve as the host location for this important event. We also thank the families, teachers, faculty, and school leaders from Selma High and all participating schools who helped prepare, encourage, and support the students who took the stage.

The 4th Annual Juneteenth Oratorical Contest was more than a competition. It was a reminder of what happens when young people are given a platform to speak truth, honor history, and imagine a future shaped by justice and hope.

Foot Soldiers Park invites the community to continue the celebration at the 5th Annual “Still We Rise” Juneteenth event on June 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s oratorical contest winners will be present and share their speeches with the community.

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth, uplift youth voices, and continue rising together.

Read more about the Oratorical Contest from the Blackbelt News Network