Oshkosh School District to Host 2nd Annual MLK Day Celebration

OSHKOSH, WI—(WISS)— The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) hosts the Second Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day Celebration starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Vel Phillips Middle School. The celebration is meant to bring the community together to reflect on King’s call for justice and peace. 

This is the second year that OASD has put on such a celebration. Anthony Miller, Jr. is the Director of Community Engagement at Equity at the OASD. He said last year’s event was inspiring, and this year he’s excited to expand on that foundation with a student-focused event.

“I think it’s very important that we acknowledge how far we’ve come, but we don’t forget the legacy that Dr. King left behind. And we are able to recognize the things that he fought for,” said Miller. “For me, it’s about lifting up his legacy, giving our students an opportunity to showcase their talents. And again, just reflect on and celebrate the legacy Dr. King left behind.” 

Miller said this year’s celebration is guided by Dr. King’s powerful quote: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” 

“It’s up to the students who are participating to bring that quote to life and to reflect on in a way that they see fit,” said Miller. “For me, what the quote means is we can’t simply sit on the sidelines watching. The fight for justice and against injustices is not a spectator sport. And we have to get in there and get our hands dirty every once in a while.”  

Miller said events like this benefit all students, but especially for those students who may feel disenfranchised.

“If you see it. You can achieve it,” Miller said. “So it’s very important that students of all races, genders, and sexual identities are able to see their identities represented in a positive way, so that they have something to aspire to. So that they have someone to be inspired by. So that they know that things are possible.”

MLK program information

Program timeline

• 8- 9 AM: Complimentary continental breakfast and community networking. 
• 9 – 10:45 AM: Program begins 

Program highlights 

• Recognition of the Oshkosh Civility Project’s Torchbearer Honorees. 
• Presentation of the district’s MLK Essay Contest Winners. 
• Inspirational musical performances by OASD student choirs. 
• Keynote address 

Registration is required by January 12th, but the event is free and open to the community. A guardian must accompany students and children.

RSVP or register online here. 

For more information, visit here.