As the vibrant heart of Houston’s historic Freedmen’s Town, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (AMBC) proudly ushers in an inspiring MLK Weekend. The esteemed 28th Annual MLK Oratory Competition, held in partnership with Foley & Lardner LLP, is scheduled for Friday, January 12th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. The weekend’s crescendo will be a thought-provoking panel discussion, “The Myth of Absence,” featuring luminaries such as Bernard and Shirley Kinsey of the Kinsey Collection, and Pastor Lou McElroy, on Monday, January 15th, 2024, from 5:30pm.
Spotlight on Oratory Excellence: A cornerstone of Houston’s MLK celebrations, the oratory competition invites HISD fourth and fifth graders to embrace Dr. King’s ideals through original speeches. This year’s probing question, “What would Dr. King reflect on 60 years since his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?”, is set to evoke profound reflections on progress and hope, resonating with Dr. King’s timeless influence. As these young orators ascend the stage at Antioch, they continue the legacy of eloquence and courage that Dr. King epitomized.
Unveiling Historical Truths: The Kinsey Collection and ‘The Myth of Absence’: The Kinseys, renowned for their extensive collection spotlighting African American achievements, join forces with AMBC’s visionary leader, Pastor McElroy, to confront “The Myth of Absence” the historical oversight of African American contributions. This dynamic panel, with Khambrel Marshall at the helm, promises to offer a transformative perspective on the African American role in shaping industries, arts, sciences, and politics in America.