History
In 1976, Dorothy J. Fields, founder/director of the South Florida Black Archives, approached Nancy S. Dawkins urging her to organize and coordinate guidelines for what would become The Theodore Gibson Oratorical Project. This initiative sparked the rebirth of organized activities for an oratorical, declamation and advocacy event that had its fruition in 1977.
Held on December 14, 1977, the first oratorical participants were students from Booker T. Washington Junior High School, with Marion H. Shannon, Thomas Wright, Evelyn S. Wynn, and Clarence Brown serving as faculty mentors. This group of individuals proved the start of what is today, the Theodore Gibson Project, a 20-member committee dedicated to maintaining the importance and benefits of effective public speaking.
The 1978-79 contestants were also the first to realize the far-reaching benefits of oration as an art. These students were invited to appear on television where the theme: Coming Together is the Beginning, Keeping Together is the Process, Working Together is the Success proved a fateful complement. At this presentation, the Reverend Canon Theodore R. Gibson, Miami City Commissioner, recommended awards for all participants. It was also the Reverend Canon Gibson's statement that became the Project's motto: "Help the Children Learn to Communicate...That is the Key."
With its beginnings as a classroom vs. classroom competition, The Gibson Project has now grown into an annual event with more than 1,000 students participating from over one-third of Miami-Dade County's elementary, middle and senior high schools. Each school conducts its own intra-school eliminations and enters the winners in the Gibson Project's regional competition. Within the five regional competitions, independent judges rigorously score students' performances. Students with the top scores are determined to be the winners from the respective regions and ascend to the Gibson final's award ceremony. A diverse group of community leaders judge these contestants and the champions are crowned.
Over the years, its founder, Mrs. Dawkins has remained its ambassador and is actively involved in The Gibson Project as she strategically commissions assistance for the Project on behalf of students
The Theodore Gibson Oratory and Declamation Committee are comprised of members who work year-round on the project. In its 49th year, "Gibson" contestants truly reflect the cultural texture of this community.
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