On Friday, January 17 th , 2025, the 29 th Annual MLK Oratory Contest was held at Antioch
Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Tx. Foley & Lander LLP host this contest in Houston,
Dallas, and Chicago, it is open to fourth and fifth grade students who give an original three-to-
five-minute speech on a pre-selected topic based on Dr. Martin Luther King’s teachings. The
contest was created to highlight local talent and encourage writing and public speaking skills to
elementary aged children. The topic for the 2025 contest was “What would Dr. King tell us about
our responsibility as citizens and leaders in America today?”
Each contest starts with a virtual or in school round to make sure that students qualify, then
followed by semifinals and finals. The students are judged on delivery, stage presence, decorum,
content interpretation, and memorization. The last round is judged by a panel of community
leaders and local business owners. The final round took place in each city on Friday, January
17 th , 2025. Montoia Murray, a fifth-grade student at Blackshear Elementary in Houston, TX won
for the second year in a row, she is the first repeat winner. In her award-winning speech, she said
Dr. King would tell us that our responsibilities as citizens and leaders in America today, is to
keep pushing forward. “I stopped by to tell you on my way to middle school that Dr. King would
say, America, you’ve made it this far now try CPR.”
Deon Harris was the contest winner in Dallas, Tx. A fourth-grade student at J.P. Starks Math,
Science, and Technology Vanguard, he said he believes that as Dr. King looks at our current
society, “his heart would grieve, not just because of the state of America but because of the
condition of America’s heart. I think Dr. King would tell us that America is experiencing heart
failure.” Harmony Daniels was the contest winner in Chicago, Il. A fourth-grade student at
Wendell Smith Elementary, she said according to Dr. King our responsibility as citizens and
leaders in America today is to “drive America to be more positive, kind, loving, and gentle. The
dream Dr. King had was for us to be responsible citizens.”
Montoia, Deon, and Harmony encouraged everyone to restart its commitment to justice, restore
America’s heartbeat, and listen to the sound of responsibility Dr. King emphasized. The mission
that Dr. King upheld for Americans has not changed and it is our responsibility and duty to
continue to uphold that mission and pass it on to future generations. Foley and Lander LLP give
the future of our world the opportunity to learn, write, and speak about the mission each year. Dr.
King was a pioneer, may his legacy live forever.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
