9-Year-Old Montoia Murray Wins Martin Luther King Oratory Contest, Secures $1,000 Cash Prize
Focused on her stance, hand gestures, and posture, Murray delivered a powerful performance during the finals, addressing the question, “How would Dr. King reflect on the 60 years since his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?”
AKACHI NOEL 
In a remarkable feat of eloquence and insight, Montoia Murray, a 9-year-old fourth-grader at Houston Independent School District’s Blackshear Elementary, clinched victory in the 28th annual Martin Luther King oratory competition, securing a $1,000 cash prize for her exceptional performance.
Murray diligently prepared for weeks alongside her school librarian, crafting a poignant five-minute and 20-second speech to honor the late civil rights icon, Martin Luther King Jr. Her speech delved into what Dr. King might say 60 years after his historic address during the March on Washington.
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Focused on her stance, hand gestures, and posture, Murray delivered a powerful performance during the finals, addressing the question, “How would Dr. King reflect on the 60 years since his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?”
“Dr. King’s last words would be to you…He would say, ‘My life was worth sacrificing because I was fighting for you. You deserve the right to a free public education,’’ she passionately declared during her speech.
Amidst stiff competition from 12 fourth and fifth graders in Houston, Murray claimed first place, earning the coveted $1,000 cash prize. Overwhelmed with emotion, she burst into tears, surprised that her hard work had paid off.
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Murray's mother, ChaDanet Murray, expressed tearful pride, commending her daughter's willingness to take on challenges. “Whatever role that you give her, she’s just willing to take that challenge, and she’s not afraid of it. Whatever you dish out to her, she’s good. She is a singer, so she’s not afraid of the stage at all. She actually comes alive on the stage. That’s her domain. That’s where she shines,” shared ChaDanet Murray.
This exceptional achievement underscores Montoia Murray's talent, dedication, and eloquence at such a young age.
