Too often, students of color are ignored, silenced, or absent from the conversation entirely. The MAAY Foundation, in collaboration with our partners in the Greater St Louis area, hope to build confidence in our youth and inspire them to take up the space they deserve.

The past few years have set many of us on edge, but despite the difficulties our communities have undergone, we have also shown unwavering grit, willingness to act, and perhaps most importantly, unyielding love in the face of adversity.

This year, we ask students to answer the prompt: “What does it mean for young people to engage in democracy?” There is no correct way to approach this question. Poets, debaters, rappers, singers, story tellers, historians – literally any form of verbal expression is appropriate! We ask that while you create your piece, you reflect on your lived experiences as a person of color. Take time to identify what message you want to express, and we will listen.

Speech Requirements

• Answers the prompt: What does it mean for young people to engage in democracy? 

• Does not exceed 5 minutes

• Prepare a written piece and submit a copy by the day of competition

  • We encourage students to memorize their pieces, but a script is okay – especially for new speakers!

• Any sources should be listed at the bottom of your submission (hyperlinks are perfectly sufficient)

• While we encourage multilingual expression, especially if it is true to your lived experience, we cannot guarantee all judges will understand, and encourage participants speaking in languages other than English to provide copies in both English and your chosen language for the judges.

Eligibility

Youth Speaks Up is open to a broad audience: any high-school-age students of color from Missouri is eligible. We are not here to judge your status as a “person of color. Mixed-race, international, or American-born, we encourage anyone who identifies as a student of color to sign up for YSU!  If you are not currently enrolled in highschool, but are between 14 and 18 pursuing education in some form, you should definitely still compete!

Prizes

First, second, and third place will be awarded $1,000, $500, and $250 respectfully. Aside from cash prizes, the event will also be attended by professionals in medicine, engineering, government, law, and many other fields. We hope that students are able to find value in making connections and building relationships.

Event Logistics

Youth Speaks Up will take place at TechArtista (4818 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108) on December 10, 2022. Students (and guardians if they wish) must check in at 9:00am. Please come with a printed copy of your piece to submit. After an opening ceremony, students perform/recite their piece to a panel of judges composed of prominent POC professionals. Food will be served from local businesses around noon. There will be a closing ceremony to announce awards. More information will be emailed to students who sign up by the deadline: December 8th at 11:59 PM.

Schedule*

9:00am-9:30am: check in

9:45am-10:15am: opening ceremony 

10:30am: speaking begins

10:30am-12:30pm: performances

12:00pm: lunch served

12:30pm-2:30pm: performances

2:30pm-3:00pm: final tabulations

3:15pm-4:00pm: closing ceremony

*Times are subject to change depending on the number of participants.

If you have questions, special requests or concerns, please email themaayfoundation@gmail.com