Image By: George Gatling

By Joshua Bass, Co-Producer, Tiger TV

One of the five pillars of Morehouse College is to be well-spoken. The Otis Moss Oratorical Contest is the epitome of utilizing your voice in a capacity that truly embodies public speaking. The contest took place during Crown Forum on Feb. 6.

George W. Gatling III, a senior Religion major from Greensboro, North Carolina, claimed first place in the contest this year. The topic for this year’s contest was the Black Moral Imagination in the 21st Century through the lens of the spiritual and moral lessons taught at Morehouse College. Gatling labeled his speech: “Maroon Culture: Activating Art.”

Gatling expressed that his speech was a call to the brothers of Morehouse to define what culture really is. 

“I challenged them to make the conscious effort to create culture no matter their field of expertise,” Gatling said. “Ultimately I hope I convicted someone to stir up their gifts and talents as the world is in need of their input.”

In this speech, Gatling highlighted that culture is not itself without Morehouse. 

“I also posited that culture is a half-painted picture without the contributions of Morehouse Men,” Gatling said.

Moreover, the speech was not just about Morehouse students or himself, but the idea that everybody has a voice in this time, even if you struggle with using your own. 

“As a guy who once struggled with a fear of public speaking it means everything,” Gatling said. “When I speak, I hope people see themselves. It means nothing to me if I am a man on a platform spewing nonsense that does not connect with their human condition.”

The competition has become a well-known tradition at Morehouse and representing the name of the Moss family, widely known as some of the best speakers in the world, adds another level of pressure. Students faced challenges but are rewarded by pushing themselves to participate in the contest.

“For many speakers, preachers, and scholars, the Moss family has been the platinum standard, to have been acknowledged and measured by their metrics of intellect and oratory, is an honor,” Gatling said.

With all the work done and first place secured, Gatling looks forward to his future.

“Upon the completion of my undergraduate studies, I will be proceeding to Divinity school at either Yale or Vanderbilt on a full ride merit scholarship as a pit stop prior to law school,” Gatling said. 

Copy Edited by: Niles Garrison, Features Editor