This competition is for middle and high school students enrolled in Maryland Public Schools.
John Lewis, congressman, student leader, and freedom rider, relied on the power of words to promote peace, justice, and change from childhood until his passing in 2020. Lewis chose words despite the violence enacted upon his body. His speeches have inspired generations of people to choose justice and morality over violence and oppression.
Inspired by John Lewis' words, students will use their voices to bring truth to power in a contemporary setting. Carry On, an oratorical competition, will help students gain confidence in public speaking and learn about nonviolent civil rights actions by honoring the legacy of John Lewis.
Prizes for students in middle school and high school groups are:
1st - $500; 2nd - $300; 3rd - $150; 4th - $100.
Additionally, all placing competitors will receive two tickets to see Mosaic Theatre’s Young John Lewis, a musical by Psalmayene 24.
Submission Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 • 11:59 PM
Performance: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 6:30 PM at Joe’s Movement Emporium
A workshop was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide coaching. If you are interested have questions, please email camille@joesmovement.org.
Carry On:
John Lewis Speech Contest
INSTRUCTIONS:
Students should choose from one of the following speeches to memorize for the competition. Choose a section of the speech that is less than 5 minutes long.
Record yourself reciting the speech. Use your own oratorical voice. You do not need to imitate John Lewis. Bring your own beliefs, feelings, and interpretation to the words of John Lewis.
Submit the recording via the application form. The full application must be submitted for consideration. If you have trouble uploading, please contact Camille Kashaka at camille@joesmovement.org.
SPEECHES
[3] Edmund Pettus Bridge Address
August 28, 1963 • Selma, AL
This speech by Congressman John Lewis reflects on the legacy of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, delivered 50 years after “Bloody Sunday.” It honors the peaceful civil rights marchers who were brutally attacked there on March 7, 1965, and highlights how their courage helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In his address, Lewis underscores the ongoing fight to protect voting rights and reaffirms the bridge as a powerful, enduring symbol of democracy.
[4] John Lewis Introduces Tribute To King
August 28, 2008 • Denver, CO
On the last day of the Democratic convention, Georgia Rep. John Lewis introduced a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech 45 years ago. Lewis, who was at the March on Washington, said in these prepared remarks that "this dream was too right, too necessary, too noble to ever die. But this night is not an ending. It is not even a beginning." The speech as delivered may vary from the following text.
[5] Rep. John Lewis Takes Action on Guns
June 22, 2016 • Washington, DC
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) leads his colleagues in taking action on gun violence on the House Floor.
[1] Rep. John Lewis on the Right to Vote
July 18, 2018 • Washington, DC
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) speaks on the House Floor about protecting and strengthening the right of all Americans to vote, especially in face of the threats facing American democracy today, and in support of H.R. 12, the Voter Empowerment Act.
[2] John Lewis, “Speech at the March on Washington”
August 28, 1963 • Washington, DC
In US news and current events today, this historic John Lewis speech at the 1963 March on Washington cemented his status in the Civil Rights Movement. The John Lewis March on Washington Speech 1963 is among the most famous speeches of the Civil Rights Movement, and in the advent of today's global Black Lives Matter movement, the words of this Congressman John Lewis speech have never been more relevant.
[6] Your Vote Is Precious, Almost Sacred
September 6, 2012 • Charlotte, NC
Rep. John Lewis, D-GA, and hero of the civil rights movement, addressed the Democratic National Convention Thursday night, speaking of the need to vote and how important a duty it is. "My dear friends, your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union."
