Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition.
Named for a civil rights pioneer who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, this annual competition gives Orlando's young people a stage, a topic, and the chance to make themselves heard.
A man who argued for justice before the highest court in the land.
Belford Vance Lawson, Jr. (1901–1985) was an American attorney, civil rights activist, and the 16th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He made at least eight appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court and holds the distinction of being the first African American man to win a case before the Court.
This competition bears his name because his life was proof of what a prepared, educated, courageous voice can accomplish. That is exactly what we ask of every young person who takes the stage.
Open to all. Free to attend.
The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition is open to students currently enrolled in grades 6 through 12 in Lake, Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County middle or high schools — public, private, parochial, military, or home school. No admission is charged. Students, families, schools, and the public are invited to attend.
Each year, participants deliver prepared speeches on a topic selected by the I.S. Hankins–F.A. Johnson Education Foundation. Local winners advance to regional and national competition rounds.
The current year, on the stage.
- Date
- Updated each competition year
- Time
- Updated each competition year
- Location
- Orlando, Florida — venue to be confirmed
- This year's topic
- Set each year by the Foundation
- Application deadline
- Updated each competition year
See everything Delta Xi Lambda runs in Orlando.
BVL is one of five signature programs. The rest of the work is on the Community Impact page.