January 19, 2026

My Reflections from the MLK Youth Oratorical Competition

The dream isn’t something we remember once a year.

It’s something we listen for — and protect — when it shows up.

Serving as Master of Ceremony for the MLK Youth Oratorical Competition reminded me that leadership is less about holding a microphone and more about holding space. Space for young people to speak. Space for ideas to breathe. Space for legacy to be interpreted, not just repeated.

And today, that space was filled.

Filled with courage.

Filled with clarity.

Filled with voices that understood both the weight of history and the urgency of now.

Leadership Is Stewardship

As Mayor of Dumfries, I have the privilege of standing in many rooms. But there are few rooms more meaningful than one where the next generation of change agents is finding its voice.

Leadership is stewardship. It’s not about dominating the conversation — it’s about protecting the environment so others can step into purpose. My role today wasn’t to speak for anyone. It was to ensure the room was ready to listen.

And the room listened.

When Legacy Is Understood — Not Just Quoted

One of the most powerful moments of the day came when a student referenced Letter from Birmingham Jail — not as a historical soundbite, but with full context and understanding.

Dr. King didn’t write that letter to his enemies.

He wrote it in response to people who agreed with him — but wanted him to wait.

That distinction matters.

When a young person understands that justice is often delayed not just by opposition, but by comfort… when they can connect that truth to today’s challenges… that’s not just public speaking.

That’s leadership.

It reminded me that legacy isn’t proven by repetition.

It’s proven by relevance.

The Dream Is Alive — and Speaking Clearly

Across every speech, what stood out most was clarity. These students weren’t performing history. They were translating it. They weren’t borrowing courage — they were exercising it.

They spoke about barriers and responsibility. About systems and silence. About unity that requires action, not applause.

In other words, they weren’t waiting their turn.

They were leading in real time.

Gratitude for the Trust

This was the second time in three years that I’ve been invited to serve in this role, and I don’t take that lightly.

To be trusted with helping guide a moment like this — even briefly — is an honor I carry with deep gratitude. It means something to represent a community and help introduce voices that will shape what comes next.

Moments like today reaffirm a truth I’ve come to believe deeply:

Leadership isn’t about being heard — it’s about making room for others to speak.

Dr. King didn’t ask us to remember the dream.

He asked us to awaken it.

Based on what I witnessed today, the dream is alive —

and it has a voice.

— Derrick R. Wood

Mayor of Dumfries, Virginia