LOS ANGELES, CA -- Our Authors Study Club, a non-profit organization that makes the world more aware of, more connected to, and more invested in the African American and African diaspora experience, announced today the call for entries for the 2024 Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest. Youth in middle school through high school are encouraged to apply online by January 20, 2024 at www.oratoricalcontest.com.

The 2024 theme, African Americans and the Arts, was announced by the national organization, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), and challenges students to write an original essay sharing their view of the theme that will be delivered at the final contest on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

"The 2024 Carter G. Woodson Oratorical Contest is an important initiative for Our Authors Study Club, Inc. and our partner Sigma Gamma Rho. It provides a platform for young students to express their thoughts and ideas about African Americans and the arts, highlighting their contributions to our society," said Terri Lyons, coordinator of the contest.

An "official" launch and reception are scheduled for Saturday, January 20 from 12 to 2:00 p.m. at the Airport Police Community Center, located at 9160 South Loyola Boulevard Los Angeles, CA, 90045. All are invited to attend and learn about the program, meet the applicants, coaches, and community leaders. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. To RSVP, click here: http://tinyurl.com/ContestReception.

About Our Authors Study Club, Inc.

Our Authors Study Club was founded by Vassie D. Wright, who was also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. In 1945, she and a group of postal workers formed OASC to study the true history of African People. She is responsible for LA's first city wide Negro History Week celebration, which evolved to the current citywide Black History Month celebration in Los Angeles in partnership with every mayor since Mayor Bowron in 1950.

OASC aims to make the world more aware of, more connected to, and more invested in the African American and African diaspora experience. To ignite conversations that inspire new books, films, artistic expressions, music, podcasts, and social interactions across diverse populations. They advocate against the dilution of Black heritage and legacy, which has been underrepresented in mainstream history, literature, and media. Their goal is to support libraries, museums, schools, and media in promoting Black lives and to recognize, amplify, and honor the contributions of Black Americans.

For more information, visit https://oascla.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OurAuthorsStudyClub.

About Sigma Gamma Rho Sigma Sigma Chapter Los Angeles

Sigma Sigma was chartered in 1939 by Soror Ruby G. Peake and was assisted by Sorors Hattie McDaniel and Catherine White Williams. The local alumnae chapter carries out the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and is dedicated to education, health & wellness and empowerment for the communities that we serve. Current Basileus (President) is Soror Tawanda Carpenter. For more information, visit https://www.sgrholosangeles.com.