NJO 39th Anniversary Scholarships & Awards Journal

History

39 Years Of Teaching Children The Art Of Public Speaking

The Orators, Inc (NJO), is a non-profit organization that teaches the art of public speaking, an appreciation for literature, reading literacy and life skills, primarily to youth of African-American descent from 7 to 18 years of age Today, the organization serves a diverse student ethnicity body

The organization was founded in 1985 by a small group of African-American corporate executives, who were concerned by the lack of formal language skills of young people who visited and interviewed for administrator jobs in central New Jersey companies Aware that communication skills played a major role in achieving academic and career success, this dedicated group established the first NJO chapterThe New Jersey Orators, Inc - Somerset Chapter

Standing: Sitting:

In developing the organization, the founders focused on strong oratorical and verbal skills, as well as an appreciation of literature That focus grew to literature written by African Americans, Hispanic Americans and those of the African Diaspora Also, they sought teaching methodologies that were fun and interactive, and added coaches’ training workshops that focused on formal language, communication styles, and educational approaches to motivating youth Although a volunteer organization, coaches with executive and educational backgrounds were selected because of their strong commitment to the program’s mission Recently, the reading and media arts literacy curriculum has been expanded and includes Oral History Interview skill building

NJO has established a record of achievement and garnered national attention It has grown from one chapter in New Jersey with 16 members to 19 chapters in New Jersey and two in Pennsylvania in excess of 300 members. National organizations such as, The Manhattan Institute, The Points Of Light Foundation, and The Huffington Post, commended its work, such as in November 2000, The Wall Street Journal named it, “Best Run Volunteer Organization in the Nation”. In an online article in November 2012, The Huffington Post cited it as, “an organization that develops positive academic skills”. It continues to attract positive attention, and was awarded the ‘2021 the NJ & African American Chamber of Commerce Diversity Award'; 2019 Johnson & Johnson and Bank of America Community Service Awards; and the 2015 Community Change Award from The NJ Black Issues Convention The growth of NJO is attributed to the following three factors:

1 Excitement generated at performances and statewide competitions

2 Word-of-mouth promotion by parents and youth

3. Referrals by teachers

NJO youth speak for themselves They speak with eloquence and knowledge of their subject matter They are leaders in school, church, and their communities, and they exhibit confidence in their speech and presence

Become a part of this dynamic organization by becoming a coach, judge or other volunteer. Visit www oratorsinc org for more information, and “Like Us” on Facebook

Lanetta Lyons, James Hunter, Eloise Samuels Leon Vinson, Wanda Brooks

Wanda Brooks Lanetta Lyons

Leon Vinson

Wanda Brooks Dr. Fannie Gordon

Marla Ham-Chakotae

Adam Hunter

James Hunter

Co-Founders Advisory Board

James Hunter Eloise Samuels

Executive Board

Freeman Ingram Sondra Ivey

Damien Jackson Eloise Samuels

Sherle Boone Founder & CEO

W.E.B DuBois Scholars Institute

Anthony Carter

Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion Johnson & Johnson, (Retired)

Della J. Crews News Anchorwoman News 12 New Jersey

Julia Reed Hare

Author, Educational Psychologist

Kimberly Kleasen Executive Johnson & Johnson, (Retired)

Pro Bono Partnership, Inc. Legal Services

Donald Bowers Executive Director Ethicon, (Retired)

Honorable Judge James Coleman, Jr . New Jersey Superior Court Judge, (Retired)

Dr. Prosper Godonoo Director, Paul Robeson Cultural Center Rutgers University

Kevin Hudson Office of the Provost College Placement & Advising Princeton University

Sonia Sanchez Professor, Poet and Author

Oliver Quinn Vice President and Chief Ethics Officer Prudential, Inc.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Archbishop & Spiritual Leader South Africa Honorary Board Member

LEGACY CIRCLE

An ‘In Memoriam‘ tribute to those whose lifework endures and continues to influence and inform our organization, communities and the world.

Ruth Abernathy Burroughs Nutritionist, Health Coach, and NJO Consultant

Ruby Dee Actress and Author

Virginia Jones Community Organizer and Newark Coach

Don Lyons Entrepreneur, Historian and New Brunswick Coach

Kamillah Nurideen Entrepreneur and Somerset Coach

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing

BY JAMES WELDON JOHNSON

Lift ev’ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land.

Welcome Message

It hasn't been easy, but our New Jersey Orators (NJO), a total volunteer organization, has survived 39 years, including the effects of COVID It required redesigning our programs and processes Yet, with new partners and continued support from sponsors and grantors, we have adapted our oratorical programming and added new components, such as the “Experienced Orator” designation and Oral History Interviewing project

Under the professional guidance of our Mistress of Ceremony, Sharon Benjamin, a journalist, podcast producer, avid exercise advocate, will introduce to you examples of oratorical skills demonstrated by our Alumni, graduating Seniors as well as those Orators yet to graduate from this program You will also hear from a Willingboro-Burlington Chapter Alumni “In His Own Words” tell you how he applied these oratorical skills towards his career in Law In addition, while watching a Testimonial Video, your will hear from Orator Alumni, parents, and community members talk about the impact of this program on their lives and the community.

Before we close today with awards you will be entertained by Cathedral Imani Liturgical Dancers and emotionally moved by an original theatrical rendition excerpt from a play by Turron Kofi Alleyne, a Professional Actor from Luna Stage in Westfield, New Jersey He will

offer a motivating message by listening to the voices and stories of our Ancestors. We hope that you all, especially our students, will be motivated by his words. We hope you enjoy the Food Trucks and entertainment we have for you. Listen to music played by DJ Tariq Swinson.

We are proud to have positively impacted thousands of youths’ academic achievement in and out of school with the dedication of hundreds of volunteer chapter coaches Today’s event celebrates some of those volunteers for enhancing youth education throughout New Jersey

We honor two volunteers this year by presenting them with our NJO Community Service Award Danielle Moore and Kanika Griffin are both long term volunteers of the New Jersey Orators Danielle has been an Assistant Coach and Administrator for the Perth Amboy Chapter since 2012 Kanika has been our Competition Chairperson providing leadership support for nine years

It is this giving of personal time and expertise by our volunteers and the sacrifice of time and dedication of over 100 coaches that has helped us make it to 39 years in operation We are grateful to them Finally, we want to thank all our volunteers whose commitment to youth empowerment represent the service of many who have carried us this far and continue to guide our youth Our volunteer NJO Coaches provide annually over 4,695 hours of In-Kind Service to our youth! Just a fraction of their impact can be seen on the Senior Wall of Fame showcased today Our NJO Judges give of their time and expertise at our two fall and two spring competitions

Our theme this year is “Voices of the Community " The meaning of this theme means that our youth have utilized their oratorical voices in the community advocating for issues that they are passionate about Our Orators use confidence and it shows when presenting at community events We want to thank the 39th Anniversary Planning Committee, the NJO board and community partners who helped to make this program a success: Jennifer Bell (New Brunswick Theological Seminary), Michael Khederlarian (Johnson & Johnson), Marcia Mitchell-Samura (Tenured NJO Volunteer), and the Orators Executive Board

HOUSE

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515 3012

May13, 2024

Dear Ms. Samuels,

1 am writing to congratulate New Jersey Orators on its 39th Anniversary. The New Jersey Orators have made outstanding contributions to the 12th Congressional District and the state of New Jersey. 1 want to thank the organization and all its members for the long lasting commitment to educating youth on public speaking, literature, and life skills

Since its 1985 establishment New Jersey Orators have grown to 21 chapters throughout New Jersey For 30+ years, the organization has provided students with endless college, career and life opportunities. The pure dedication from the founders and Orators' coaches is most admirable. The organization is vital for the success of the next generation and nourishment for our country.

1 am proud the New Jersey Orator continues to provide resources for public speaking, leadership, and life skills. I hope the organization takes pride in this momentous occasion. Please accept my sincere congratulations on the 39th anniversary. Congratulations and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Watson Coleman Member of Congress

Invocation

39TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON PROGRAM "VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY”

Rev. Forrest Pritchett, Provost Office, Seton Hall University

Introduction Of Mistress of Ceremonies & Eloise Samuels, Founder & CEO Welcome

Acknowledgements of Mistresss Ceremony Sharon Benjamin

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Rhema Joy Leach - Alumni

Introduction of World-Renowed Imani Liturgical Dancers

Introduction of Special Guest

Performer - Professional Actor

Cathedral Imani Dancers

Turron Kofi Alleyne, Act

ratorical Presentation - Giving Thanks to the Orators or Willingboro- Burlington Chapter Orator, Renae-Semone Williams

Break / Testimonial Video

Alumni Orator Presentation Video "Tell Your Story" Dylan Renaud, Willingboro-Burlington

Graduating Seniors Recognition Awards

Oratorical Presentation

Oratorical Presentation

Special NJO Community Service Awards

Orator O

of the Year Award

Sharon Benjamin, MC

New Brunswick Chapter, Abigail Ibironke

Lakewood Chapter, Caleb Chester

Eloise Samuels

Sharon Benjamin, MC

Eloise Samuels

Chapter of the Year Award Kanika Griffin

Acknowledgments of Distinguished Guests Sharon Benjamin

Benediction

Rev. Forrest Pritchett

Special Guest Performer

Turron Kofi Alleyn

Actor - Luna Stage

Award-Nominated Actor, Turron has worked with some of Hollywood’s most esteemed A-List directors, producers, and actors such as: Spike Lee, Jonathan Nolan, Mark Wahlberg, Zoe Saldana, Michael B Jordan, Lawrence Fishburne, and others One of his most notable roles is his recurring guest star portrayal of Calvin Newcombe in the ABC series, "FOR LIFE "

He’s been featured in Independent Films that have premiered at various prestigious Film Festivals which include Sundance, ABFF, LA Film Festival, Vails Film Festival and more. Turron also enjoys teaching acting where his students learn the difference between “performing” and “living truthfully” by guiding his students away from performing habits, into more organic real-life responses that spur and change from moment to moment He accomplishes this through improvisational games, methods and techniques rooted in the Sanford Meisner Technique

In addition, Turron is also a Writer, Director and Producer for the screen; as well as the stage He is happily married with three beautiful children and he honors, thanks, and dedicates his life, ministries, and career to Jesus Christ

History:

Luna Stage was founded in 1992 by Jane Mandel and became a professional theatre in 1995 For its first 18 years, the company made its home in Montclair, New Jersey, first in a small space on Walnut Street and then in a larger facility on Bloomfield Avenue

In 2010, Luna became a partner and tenant of HANDS, a community reinvestment and revitalization organization; we moved to the Valley Arts District as an anchor organization in the dynamic movement to inspire creativity, vitality, and community engagement in the Valley We have a deep commitment to serving the audience that resides in this traditionally-underserved neighborhood, and to building connections between long-term and new residents.

Luna Stage develops and produces vibrant plays about local and global experiences

Luna Stage's Mission:

S39th ANNIVERSARY HOST

Sharon Benjamin Author, Publisher & Broadcaster

haron has over 30 years in the field of education from elementary to the college level. She is a talenteed writer and also a gifted public speaker, writer, and an ordained minister.

She began her teaching career as a Pre- Vocational Education Instructor and transitioned to teaching fifth grade in Tennessee. After moving to New Jersey, Sharon taught for 15 years in the South Brunswick School District. Sharon received her Master of Reading/ Language Arts with a New Jersey Reading Specialist Certification while on sabbatical from teaching.. After retiring from the South Brunswick School District in 2013, Sharon worked as an adjunct professor in the areas of Developmental Reading, Composition I and II, and Speech at Middlesex College, Rider University, and at Hudson County Community College.

As a talented writer, Sharon wrote and self- published her first children’ s book, Jungle Gym, in 2003. She has written other books which are scheduled for publication by the end of 2024 - Sharon Benjamin’ s ABC Book of Poetry: Don’ t Dance During Dinner; I’ m Married. But I’ m In Love With Another Man; and I Remember Papa Albert. Sharon has also presented workshops for parents and educators based on a program that she wrote, “Enhancing Your Child’ s Chances: Strategies to Encourage the Development of Critical Thinking Skills.” Her other writings include several articles on various topics that include marriage and family, education, religion, social issues, and basic life- skills, all of which can be accessed on LinkedIn.

After volunteering for WIMG- Radio, a gospel station, in February 1992, she began broadcasting a live call- in show, “ Let’ s Talk About It,” in April 1992. As co- owner of the show with her husband, Randall Benjamin, Sharon was the producer, host, writer, voiceover artist for the commercials, and salesperson for advertising dollars. Later, Sharon moved to New Jersey Network where she continued to host a live call- in daily show, “New Jersey Today,” where she worked as a news reporter and as a correspondent for the weekly television show, “Another View.

Sharon is available for workshops and presentations, Contact Sharon Benjamin at sbenitab @ gmail. com. Follow her on Facebook, ( Sharon Benita Benjamin), X ( Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Graduates

C Perth Amboy hapter Simone Banks

simone Banks has a passion of the arts. She participates in her church’s Praise Dance Ministry and Cathedral Teen Choir at the Cathedral International Church. She alsfinds time to mentor girls and co-authored with Dr. Anana Phifer-Derilhomme, Founder of “BlessedGirl”, a girl’s mentoring organization, the "4C's” book 4C’s means Civility, Community, Creativity and Climate Change. This curriculum enables young girls to see themselves as solutions. Having been a part of BlessedGirl since its inception and collaborating on this book demonstrates Simone’s commitment to empowering young girls.

A mature 17-year-old Senior at Edison High School, Simone shines as a beacon of leadership, and dedication. She is the Vice President of the National Art Honor Society and a member of the Art Club She is not only a scholar and artist but is also a socially conscious advocate by being a member of the Black Student Union promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the community.

Simone joined the Perth Amboy Chapter of the New Jersey Orators in 2013. She has honed her public speaking skills and developed herself to be a confident and influential speaker. She has received recognition for her oratory skills with awards of Excellent and Honors.

Simone will attend Bowie State University majoring in Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts with a concentration in Animation & Motion Graphics.

Piscataway I Chapter Aniketh Bukka

Aniketh Bukka is an active member in his community volunteering to work in areas of his passion He volunteers to help at food drives and doing environmental clean-up activities in his community. As Co-founder of a non-profit community service organization, Aniketh teaches children soccer for free

A graduating Senior at John P. Stevens High School, Aniketh is a member of multiple National Honor Societies He has taken several high honors and AP classes in science and math He enjoys participating on both Varsity Basketball Team, running Track, and playing the trombone in Band He competed at National History Day and National Science Bowl for awards

Aniketh is an active member of the Piscataway I Chapter of the New Jersey Orators since 2017 He has excellent public speaking skills and is presentation portfolio includes a Oral Interpretation of Poetry presentation of poems written by high school student authors They were curated by CHARM, a nonprofit who amplifies young African American voices and experiences to fight against racial issues He delivered a presentation at the National Association of University Women's Northeast Sectional Conference and delivers an excellent Declamation speech by Congresswoman Barbara Jordan entitled, Who Then Will Speak for the Common Good? “I chose this piece because many issues exist in America today We should aim to solve these problems and follow the ideals that America was founded on.”

Aniketh will attend the University of Michigan in the fall to pursue an Aerospace Engineering career

C Plainfield hapter

Rhyan Brown

Rhyan Brown has volunteered over 130 hours of community service assisting in Sunday School and interning for Sen Joseph Cryan She currently is a counselor at Kent Place’s Girls LeadershipInstitute Program empowering 4th - 10th grade girls

Rhyan Brown is a 17-year-old senior, who attends Kent Place School in Summit where she achievesacademic with an 85 286 avg She is involved involved in her school community by being selected or appointed to these leadership roles: President of Kent's Green Key DEI and Affinity Group

Rhyan joined the Plainfield Chapter of the New Jersey Orators when she was seven. From that time, she has earned Excellence recognition at many competitions. Along with her sister, Rhyan uses her oratorical skills to advocate for education equality and to spread awareness about the school- toprison pipeline for the New Jersey Education Association: NJEA Rise; NJEATeachers Convention; NJEA MLK Celebration; and the NJEA 2024 State Conference. Because of her oratorical skills, Rhyan has been asked to present at several Juneteenth events and at RWJ Hospital & UC Board of Commissioners. In addition, she has presented at Black History Month: NAACP-New Brunswick; Metropolitan Baptist Church, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and many more.

Rhyan will attend Northeastern University and study abroad in Prague , Czech Republic in the fall double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs.

Willingboro-Burlington Chapter

Alana Clark

Alana Clark has helped in her Burlington community by volunteering for activities, such as the Winter Holiday Fund Raiseras a member of FCCLA- Family, Career, and Community Leadersof America, a nonprofit national career and technical student organization. She help clean up litter at Amico Island Park. Alani is a member of Abundant Life SALT Youth Ministry. She has performed in church plays and skits; organized ministry lesson plans and delivered “Welcomes”.

Alani Clark is a graduating Senior at Burlington County Institute of Technology She has taken Honors classes since her Junior year and has reached an overall GPA of 3 65 She is a member of both Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Leading Ladies Leading Ladies is a nonprofit focusing on growing and inspiring young women to be leaders

Alani has been a member of the New Jersey Orators Willingboro-Burlington Chapter for 2 years. While there she demonstrated proficiency in multiple oratorical categories at competitions. She enjoys writing Original Oratory where she was recognized with Honors; presented “In The Morning” by Paul Laurence Dunbar as a Dramatic Interpretation of Poetry received Excellent; delivered a Demonstration using sewing machine parts received Honors; and this Spring 2024 she received Honors for a Declamation Speech

Alani is currently enrolled at Savannah College of Art & Design majoring in Fashion Design.

Union Chapter

Aedan Small

Aedan Small is a dedicated student with a natural flair for service and interests in physical sciences. He has participated in the Boys Scouts since 2017 in the community He received recognition and a Senior Award in September 2023 from the Edison Rotary Club for his community service. Since 2020, he has given over 30 community service hours to Falcons and Friends in Metuchen, Community Food Bank in Hillside, Jersey Cares in Livingston, Festival of Ballooning, and Habitat for Humanity.

A graduating Senior at Saint Joseph’s High School with a 3.7 GPA, Aedan has acheived high Science, Forensic Science, and Psychology. He has

leadership roles as a 4-year member: Yearbook Club Co-Editor and supervisor; Robotics Club Lead Designer and programmer of robots; Pre-Med Club, sharing advances in healthcare and medical career; Media Work Group Photographer, capturing images and engaging in St Joseph Campus Ministry He also has played on St. Joe’s Football Team since 2022.

Aedan is a long-term member of the New Jersey Orators Union Chapter since 2017. He has written Original Oratory and delivered Excellent & Honors presentations. After hearing him speak at a competition, he was requested to present at Lucent Technologies. Designated an “Experienced Orator” by the Union Chapter, Aedan participated in an intergenerational NJO Oral History Showcase and Town Meeting in 2023 funded by the NJ MLK Commission and hosted by a Piscataway Public Library, the African American Senior Citizens and Piscataway High School.

Aedan will be attending Drexel University in the fall majoring in Medicine.

C Union hapter

Avery Small

Avery is a resourceful, dedicated and well-rounded student with excellent analytical skills and strong decision-making abilities. He has been active in his community for various nonprofits and fundraised for St. Joseph. He was the Vice-Head Registration Coordinator for NJ Lottery Festival of Ballooning; Coordinator for St Joseph’s Annual Basket Raffle Fundraiser supervising distribution of prizes and other materials; and Mentored Metuchen’s “Falcons and Friends” special-needs kids. He frequently participates in St. Joseph’s Car Wash Fundraising, Hillside Community Food Bank, and New Jersey Cares

A graduating Senior at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen with a 4 0 GPA, Avery is an Honors student committed to the pursuit of high scholastic achievements in U.S. History, Precalculus, Forensic Science as well as a two-year member of the Robotics Team competing to build artificial intelligence robots for competition. He also is a member of St. Joseph Campus Ministry Club and plays St. Joseph Soccer for four-years.

As a member of New Jersey Orators Union Chapter since 2016, Avery has performed various presentations at NJO statewide competitions receiving awards of Excellent and Honors. Designated an “Experienced Orator” by the Union Chapter, Avery participated in an intergenerational NJO Oral History Showcase and Town Meeting in 2023 funded by NJ MLK Commission and hosted by Piscataway Public Library, African-American Senior Citizens and Piscataway High School.

Avery will be attending New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) majoring in Architecture.

Willingboro-Burlington Chapter Renae-Semone Williams

Renae-Semone is currently an Administrative Assistant at Rising Stars Learning Center where she has worked for over three years. She also finds time to volunteer at Bible Way Apostolic Church’s local Food Pantry twice a month and makes PB& J sandwiches monthly for the Cathedral Kitchen. She is the Community Partner Coordinator for AI for Girls Enterprise, a non-profit dedicated to sparking a passion for artificial intelligence among middle and high school girls. In this role, she coordinates multi-faceted programs

and workshops, and provides mentorship to girls to not just teach, but inspire them.

A graduating Senior from Camden Catholic High School with a 4.2 GPA, RenaeSimone was Vice President of Tutoring for the National Honor Society for two years. Member of the National Honor Society and selected “Student of the Month” several times made it easy for her principal to recommend her to compete in the Trenton Catholic Academy’s Scholastic Olympics, a city-wide academic competition. She has also published two heartfelt poems in her high school’s “Emerald” magazine She still finds time to play volleyball, shop, and hang out with friends.

Renae-Semone has since 3rd grade been a member of the New Jersey Orators Willingboro- Burlington Chapter for nine years. She attributes her success in public speaking to the Orators. This chapter is her second family. Growing up, she suffered from bullying. The Orators taught her the confidence to speak up for herself. No matter how old she gets, she says that she will always give credit to the Orators for her confidence, speaking ability and excelling in academics. “Because of that, I will forever be grateful.”

Having received “Experienced Orator” designation it granted her the privilege to speak at Rowan College for the Underground Railroad Museum Honoree event, deliver the keynote speech at an NAACP Burlington County meeting, present at a Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Breakfast, and many more.

“This organization has saved my life by shaping me into the person that I have grown to become. Because of that, I will forever be grateful.”

Renae-Semone Williams will be attending the Honors College at Widener University majoring in Social Work.

Community Service Awards

Community Service Awards

Danielle Moore has been an active in her community as a member of the Perth Amboy Chapter since September 2010 when she register her son Miles and 2012 when she registered her daughter Simone as a New Jersey Orators. Initially, Danielle was a parent and then she volunteered to be trained to become an Assistant Coach evolving from a supportive parentto a committed coach, she dedicated herself over eight (8) years to guiding yourng Orators She continued to support the Perth Amboy Chapter as an Administrative Coach for the chapter since 2020.

With a BA in Management Information Systems, she excels as a Technical Project Manager at Venn. Beyond her professional role, Danielle is actively involved in her community. Since 2013, she has been a dedicated member of The Cathedral International, lending her talents to costume and set design for the children's ministry.

Danielle also runs a small crafting business, MotherOf2 Creations, and serves on the board of BlessedGirl, a girls' mentoring organization that empowers the next generation of young women.

Danielle Moore resides in Edison, NJ, where she shares her life with her two children, Miles and Simone Banks.

Danielle Moore

Community Service Award

Kanika Griffin Devonish is a native of New Jersey. She has been volunteering for the New Jersey Orators since she relocated to New Jersey from Maryland. In her role as

the New Jersey Orators Competition Chairperson, she has provided leadership support for nine years for the fall and spring oratorical competitions. Kanika is a Mathematics Teacher and Content Leader with nearly 15 years of teaching experience.

After graduating from Howard University in the Fall of 2009, with a Bachelors of Arts in English with a Concentration in Education, she began her teaching career in Capitol Heights, Maryland. She moved back to New Jersey and began her teaching career with middle school math for 7 years in Plainfield, New Jersey She is currently the Math 8 Content Leader and teaching 8th Grade Mathematics and Algebra 1 Honors at Franklin Middle School at Hamilton Street Campus in Somerset, NJ and has been there for the past 5 years.

Kanika is also a proud member of the Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, serving the communities of Union, Middlesex, and Somerset counties of New Jersey. Kanika has always had a passion for uplifting and educating young people, predominantly in urban communities.

She and her loving husband will be married for 10 years in August of 2024 They are parents of both a son and daughter that are growing to be two wonderful and intelligent young children. Her current goal is to pursue her an advance degree in Education with a Masters in Youth Development Leadership to continue to elevate young people and provide resources in communities to make that possible.

Kanika Griffin Devonish

Sponsors & Donors

New Jersey Orators would like to thank this year’s Sponsors!

Grantor Sponsors

Event Sponsors Shaping

Donors

NJO would like to thank the countless Donors who contributed amounts large and small to support our Orators and this year’s scholarships. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated!

Mr. Shaved Ice

Exhibitors

New Jersey Orators, Inc. thanks the following corporations and foundations for providing us grants, and for their continued support for the 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year

New Jersey Council for the Humanities

$15,000 Oratorical & Literacy Programs

Ohnell Foundation

$5,000 Program Costs East

NJ Martin Luther King Commission

$5,000 Oral History Project

Orange Housing & Community Development Corporation

$1,000 Program Costs

ShapingNJ

$1,000 Program Costs

Thanks to our grantors for supporting our organization’s programs

We express our heartfelt thanks to the following Partners:

Essex County Prosecutors Office

Seton Hall University – Provost Office

Nu Xi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)

National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)

NJ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Johnson & Johnson

Newark Teachers Association

Scholastic Reading Counts Reach Out And Read

Barnes & Noble

Natalie Pitts, CPA

Volunteers.org

Franklin  Township

Phone: 732-873-2500

Fax: 732-873-1595

From the Franklin Township Council Members

Phillip Kramer, Mayor

Sivaraman Anbarasan, Deputy Mayor

Kimberly Francois, Council At-Large

Crystal Pruitt, Council At- Large

Ed Potosnak, Council Ward 1 ,

Shepa Uddin, Council Ward 2

Charles Onyejiaka, Council Ward 3

Carl R.A.Wright, Council Ward 4

James Vassenella, Council Ward 5

THE ORATOR

In 1987, Lanetta Lyons, a Co-founder of the New Jersey Orators, wrote The Orator as the official credo of the organization. The Orator is published in the anthology, Windows on the Soul.

Through speaking, I tell others who I am.

I know that mastery of the language equips me to express the uniqueness that is me. With practice and experimentation, I learn how to communicate my thoughts in different ways.

As I grow, I shall strive to increase my knowledge of great writings, speakers, and the music of the words within me.

I shall cultivate a good vocabulary to better communicate my ideas, rather than for impressing others.

I shall strive to understand the complexities of the language, so that I may use the written and spoken word effectively.

When I speak with enlightenment, rage, sorrow, humor, all will know the power of language and my joy in having spoken well.