The DreamHouse Foundation, Inc. presents the nation's first
HBCU
Oratorical Challenge
National Competitions - April 3-5, 2026
Atlanta, Georgia
About the Event
The HBCU Oratorical Challenge provides opportunities to compete in four exciting categories: Prepared Public Speaking; Extemporaneous Public Speaking; Spoken Word Recitation; and Public Debate.
The HBCU Oratorical Challenge consists of a year’s long series of competitions, beginning with qualifying rounds and advancing to preliminary, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
Contestants will begin to qualify in September. Qualifying contestants will then compete in the preliminary rounds with selected candidates advancing to the next rounds, ultimately competing in the final round of competition.
Challenge Timeline
July 1 - August 31. 2025
Announcement of Competitions
Sent to HBCUs
September 10, 2025
Registration Opens
Online
November 15, 2025
Deadline for Submissions
Online Submission
January 15, 2026
Qualifying Rounds
Virtual Rounds
February 2026
Preliminaries
Virtual
March 2026
Quarter-Finals
virtual
April 3, 2026
Semi-Finals
Atlanta, Georgia
April 4, 2026
Finals and Awards Ceremony
Atlanta, Georgia
Four Exciting Categories
In the spirit of great African American orators who have helped to shape the cultural landscape of this nation, HBCU Oratorical Challenge contestants will showcase their skills while demonstrating their knowledge of the subject matter of which they are addressing. If you are a college student enrolled in an HBCU, take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.
Prepared Public Speaking
Deliver a powerful speech that has been researched and prepared.
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Speaking on your feet at a moment’s notice.
Spoken Word Recitation
Recreate the spirit of Maya Angelo, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Phyllis Wheatley, Frederick Douglass and others.
Public Debate
Select a topic from which to debate.
About the Organizers
The HBCU Oratorical Competition is a product of the DreamHouse Foundation, Inc. The DreamHouse Foundation is a not-for-profit organization designed to provide personal and professional skills of young men and women as they prepare to step into leadership positions and change the global landscape.
Join the DreamHouse Foundation as a sponsor for this spectacular event.
Our Sponsors
