On February 7, 2026, the 2026 Langston Hughes Youth Oratorical Contest was held—sponsored by the Havre de Grace Colored School Museum.
The contest honors the legacy of Langston Hughes by inspiring young people to write and deliver meaningful original speeches. It encourages students to use their voices to speak about issues that matter to them while reflecting the values Hughes stood for, such as freedom, identity, and equality.
The 2026 theme, “We stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves,” challenged students to think deeply about what true freedom means. Participants were required to memorize five minutes of their speeches and deliver them with clarity and confidence.
This year, the contest recognized many talented speakers, including Anna Newman, Olivia Parker, and Alexander “Mac” Fisher. They are all seniors at FHS. Anna, who earned second place, stood out for her thoughtful interpretation of the theme, with the idea that “you’re never actually free unless you’re free within.” Her speech reflected not only her understanding of Hughes’ message but also her passion for writing and public speaking, skills she has honed through participation in competitions and FBLA.
The participants in this contest deserve a lot of credit for the time and dedication that they put into each of their speeches. Beyond just writing their speeches, they had to focus on speaking clearly, expressing their ideas confidently, and connecting with the audience. The commitment each participant showed reflects not only their talent but also their determination to do their best and honor the meaning of the contest’s theme.
The 2026 Langston Hughes Youth Oratorical Contest really showed how talented and dedicated these students are. Anna Newman’s second place win, along with strong performances from Olivia Parker, Mac Fisher, and others, proved that young people have powerful voices and important ideas to share. The contest not only honored Langston Hughes’ legacy but also gave students a chance to practice public speaking, explore big ideas, and show what they’re capable of.
