Robert G. Ingersoll, known as The Great Agnostic, was a famous 19th century orator and outspoken critic of religion. He was an advocate for racial equality, birth control, women’s rights, Darwin’s theory of evolution, Shakespeare, free speech, and voting rights for Washington, DC. He delivered over 1,200 speeches to packed houses across the country in the late 1800s, all of them documented in a 12-volume set of his works. After he moved his family to Washington, DC, in 1878, he lived, worked and spoke here for seven years. He was a Civil War veteran and a very successful lawyer and political speaker. Yet he has been neglected by history. To revive his message and popularity we are announcing:

The Robert G. Ingersoll Oratory Contest
At noon on Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, The Washington Secular Humanist in DC are hosting a contest of up to 20 contestants. Each contestant will deliver a brief excerpt from Robert G. Ingersoll’s works. A panel of judges will evaluate and award prizes for the best performance. Sign up to be a contestant, or just come to hear the outrageous blasphemy and rhetoric of this undeservedly forgotten American orator. Bring your blanket or chair and applaud your favorite selection or speaker. (No chairs will be provided.)

This is a free event.

Eric Dobbs, our very own fearless leader from RRNA, has agreed to be one of the contestants. Please come cheer him on as he and others bring back the old traditions of great orators.

You will be responsible for your own transportation and if you like you can meet up with some of us for early lunch or brunch, details to follow.

If you would like to be a contestant please go to the Washington Secular Humanist website and sign up.

Rules:
http://ingersollconte...

Prizes:
1st Place $150 and a rare original period poster c.1890
2nd Place $100 and two books of Ingersoll Essays.
3rd Place $75 and audio CD of selected Ingersoll works read by a professional actor
4th Place $50

More Information:
http://ingersollconte...