Beckley, WV (WOAY) Students from across the region are preparing to take the stage not to perform but to speak with purpose.
The Eddiena L. Schoolfield Oratorical Competition returns for its fifth year on Saturday, February 28, at 3:00 pm.
The organization B.E.A.U.T.Y, which stands for “Black Educators Are United Totally-Yes!” sponsors the event each year to provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and an appreciation of the art of public speaking.
The event encourages students to prepare and present speeches on assigned topics, strengthening public speaking, research, and leadership skills along the way.
Organizers hope students walk away with more than just applause.
The event will be held on the WVU Tech campus and is open to the community to attend and support the next generation of public speakers.
The competition takes place every February in honor of Black History Month, as legendary black figures such as W.E.B. Dubois, Thurgood Marshall, Carter G. Woodson, Sojourner Truth, and Jesse Jackson were famously known as great orators.
Longtime B.E.A.U.T.Y member for whom the competition is named, Eddiena L. Schoolfield, talks about the importance of public speaking and shares some advice for those young people out there afraid to lift their voices.
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