The 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Competition and Program, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was successful by all measures.
More than 1,000 viewers tuned in to the YouTube premiere to watch Prince William area youth orators express their ideas and give a call to action based on the theme, “Beyond the Dream- Young Voices With Something to Say”.
In complement to the virtual format, this year’s audience was able to vote for their favorite orator via text. Based on the audience’s voting participation, the 2021 Dr. King Oratorical Competition winners are:
- Myles Lanier – Manassas Park High School
- Nyela Asterilla -Anderson – Freedom High School
Zion Fozo of Potomac High School and Amber Austin of Patriot High school were also orators. In addition, Escarlet Roque Lopez and Aleen “Rose” Tawer of Osbourn High School provided “The Occasion”. Past oratorical winner and James Madison University Senior, Norman Jones narrated a “Good Trouble” segment that honored Congressman John Lewis.
The program also featured an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder, National Action Network and several selections from the MLK Community Choir.
The MLK Day of Service toiletries collection for the Manassas Hunger & Homeless Outreach Ministries was also a success. Members of the sorority and community donors joined to donate boxes of travel-size items of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, hand sanitizers, and other items that will be distributed to people in need.
Prince William Deltas have hosted the King Day program for more than 30 years. In recent years, the program was held at the Hylton Memorial Chapel and attended by thousands, but the virtual program afforded the opportunity for people nationally and internationally to commemorate Dr. King and support the orators.
The YouTube event can be found on the chapter’s website.
Recent Stories

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something