Karen Jordan of ABC-TV 7 reprised her role as co-host of the 2008 Bud Billiken Essay Competition, with her husband Christian Farr of Ch. 11 on July 12. In the auditorium of the Caruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern University, 700 E. Oakwo
Karen Jordan of ABC-TV 7 reprised her role as co-host of the 2008 Bud Billiken Essay Competition, with her husband Christian Farr of Ch. 11 on July 12.
In the auditorium of the Caruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern University, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd., 11 children took their position on stage in the final phase of this year’s Bud Billiken King and Queen contest.
Each child who entered the competition was asked to write an essay on leadership. The children, who recited their essays before an audience of friends and family will be judged on: posture–erect bearing with limited detracting movements; diction–pronunciation and enunciation of words; projection–speaking loudly and clearly; and enthusiasm–speaking with feeling and energy.
Contestants presenting essays were: Da’sia Blackmon, Annyce Brackins, Nichyria Byrd, Andre Elzia Jr., Iris Gibson, Breanna Gordon, Mosea Harris, Jordan Norwood, Nyaree Patten, Keiara Richmond and Byron Smith Jr.
Judges for the essay competition include: Minister Rahim Aton aka the Sax Preacher; Beverly Butler-Burns, Human Resources Manager for Sherwin-Williams Company; Sporty King, a motivational speaker; Andrea Smith, of The Salient Group; and Justin Woolley, of Real Men Cook.
In addition to participating in the essay competition, the six children who earn a position on the Royal Court of the 2008 Chicago Defender Bud Billiken Day Parade earn votes by selling subscriptions to the Chicago Defender.
Contest winners will be announced on July 18. The final vote tally will appear in the July 23 edition of the Chicago Defender. All contestants will receive prizes at the Coronation Ceremony and Banquet July 27 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The winners of the contest will make up the 2008 Bud Billiken Royal Court and will ride in the 79th Annual Bud Billiken Parade on the Royal Float. The King and Queen win a trip to Walt Disney World. Other prizes include desktop computers for the first, second and third place winners and cash awards.
The 79th Annual Chicago Defender Bud Billiken Day Parade takes place on August 9. Over 300 floats, vehicles and marching units will traverse the parade route–along Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive from 41st Street into Washington Park.
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