Read
Select an approved writing by Marcus Garvey and establish its historical context.
AJA presents
Marcus Garvey Symposium
& Oratorical Competition
Garvey’s Words. Our Time. Our Future.
A collegiate platform for emerging voices to interpret Garvey’s writings and respond—thoughtfully, courageously and constructively—to a contemporary issue affecting Africa or the African diaspora.
Live finals · Early March 2027 · Atlanta, Georgia · $15 administrative fee
The invitation
Take the ideas seriously.
Then bring them into the present.
Garvey wrote in another century. The questions he confronted—identity, education, economic agency, collective responsibility, migration and belonging—still travel with us.
This competition does not ask students to imitate Garvey or adopt a prescribed political position. It asks them to read closely, think independently and use the power of oratory to illuminate an issue they believe deserves attention now.
A nonpartisan educational forum. Participants choose their issue, interpretation and constructive response. AJA does not prescribe a viewpoint.
Competition at a glance
One source. One urgent issue. One original voice.
Interpret
Identify the idea you believe remains meaningful, contested or instructive today.
Respond
Deliver an original 5–7 minute speech connecting the text to an issue of your choice.
Engage
Offer a constructive response, community responsibility or question worthy of continued dialogue.
Who may enter
College students and recent graduates
Open to currently enrolled undergraduate students and recent spring/summer graduates of accredited colleges and universities. Final eligibility rules remain subject to AJA board approval.
- Original individual oratory
- 5–7 minute preliminary video
- 6–8 finalists invited to the live final
- English-language presentation
Planning calendar
The road to the stage
These dates provide the current planning framework and will be confirmed in the official competition rules.
01
Registration opens
02
Registration and preliminary video submissions close
03
Finalists selected and coaching begins
04
Live symposium and final competition
Live finalsEarly March 2027 Exact date and time to be confirmed Preferred historic Atlanta venue under review
How speeches are evaluated
Rigor and resonance carry equal weight.
Use of Garvey’s writings
Accurate, purposeful engagement with an approved primary source.
Interpretation & application
A thoughtful connection between Garvey’s ideas and a contemporary issue.
Organization
A clear thesis, coherent structure and compelling conclusion.
Delivery
Presence, voice, pacing, audience connection and command of the platform.
Sources & compliance
Responsible attribution and adherence to competition requirements.
Starting source shelf
Build from Garvey’s own words.
Participants will cite at least one approved primary source. The final reading guide will identify permitted editions, excerpt requirements and citation standards.
01Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus GarveyCompiled by Amy Jacques Garvey · Volumes I and II
02Selected speeches and essaysIncluding writings on education, self-reliance, identity and collective responsibility
03The Marcus Garvey and UNIA PapersSelected documents approved for the competition reading guide
04Message to the PeopleCourse of African Philosophy · approved excerpts
Registration of interest
Your voice belongs in the room.
Complete this form to join the applicant list and receive the official rules, approved source guide and submission instructions when registration formally opens.
$15
Administrative fee
A required, nonrefundable administrative fee applies to each registration. Payment instructions will be provided separately until online payment is connected.
What happens next
AJA will review your information, confirm your eligibility and contact you at the email provided. Submitting this form does not guarantee selection as a finalist.
Questions before you begin
Frequently asked questions
Is this a political competition?
No. Garvey was a political and historical figure, but this is a nonpartisan educational forum. Students select their own contemporary issue, interpretation and proposed response.
Do I need to agree with Garvey?
No. Strong oratory may affirm, question, complicate or respectfully challenge an idea, provided the interpretation is historically responsible and well supported.
May I use artificial intelligence?
AI may support research organization or accessibility where permitted, but the speech must reflect the participant’s original analysis and voice. Undisclosed generated speech content may lead to disqualification.
Are prizes available?
AJA intends to offer awards or scholarships. Amounts and categories will be announced after board and sponsor approval.
Where will the live final be held?
A historic Atlanta venue is being explored, including a church associated with Garvey’s Atlanta speaking history. The confirmed venue will appear in the official rules.
Presented by the Atlanta Jamaican Association
Founding Strategy & Organizational Intelligence Sponsor
Competition rules, judging and participant viewpoints remain independently governed by AJA.