Dream or Prophecy Speech contest (Jan. 26, 2011)

PAO Watson (middle) posing with finalists.

On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, the American Cultural Center hosted  the "Dream or Prophecy Speech contest semi-finals.  This event, which was organized in the framework of a series of activities planned to commemorate the anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was designed to encourage Beninese young people to learn from the oratorical skills of the famous speaker, but also and especially to discover the hidden talents and promote the concepts of leadership, integrity and quality. A large crowd of intellectuals and young students, eager to experience the eloquence and charisma of local talent, sat enthralled through the fifteen presentations, delivered in French and English.  The Gogohoun band, a group of young dancers and musicians, provided energizing entertainment through the intermission and vote count, which included spectator voting ballots that were tallied with those of the judges to arrive at the final scores.

The final stage of the competition is scheduled to be held during the February 11 Black History month program, which will include an art exhibit, a theatrical play and a concert. The finalists for the English Competition are Mr. Saturnin Sohoudji, Mr. Laurent Akpo, and Mr. Enoch Azankpo. The finalists for the French Competition are: Miss Joannie Bewa, Victorien Dougnon, and Johanny Ahlinvi.