Robert P. Howard Receives Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award

Monday was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the nation various services, celebrations and tributes were held commemorating the principles and accomplishments of Dr. King. One of these, held annually, is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast in Oceanside. This event was held at the El Corazon Senior Center in Oceanside. The Community Room was filled to capacity with dignitaries, members of city and state government, public service members, clergy, a variety of service, educational, business, and agency members, past award recipients, and other guests. This year’s theme was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy”.

The morning event began with a welcome from Dr. Satia Austin, NSDC President. This was followed by a prayer, led by Mekhi Green, ACT-SO Olympian. Elizabeth Gonalez then led the large group in a Lift Every Voice and Sing group sing-along. Inez Williams, from NSDC NAACP and Agape Fellowship District, served as the ceremony MC, followed by Congressman Mike Levin, representing the 49th District. The Congressman spoke about Dr. King’s drive, accomplishments, and willingness to take on challenges head-on, regardless of the consequences. He said Dr. King lived in a time of division, similar to what our nation is going through now, just with a different set of circumstances. He said Dr. King demanded that the country live up to the ideals upon which it was founded, and that this should be the case today.

Following a delicious catered breakfast by Elijah’s, Inez Williams introduced the Shiloh COGIC Youth Choir, who sang “Marching in the Light of God”, including part of the lyrics in the Zulu language. Williams then introduced this year’s Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Sherry Thompson Taylor. Judge Taylor serves as a judge of the San The Keynote Speaker the Honorable Sherry Thompson Taylor Diego County Superior Court, currently presiding over family law cases at the Chula Vista courthouse. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. She is also a life member and board member of the African American Association of California Judicial Officers, Inc. She began by referencing that every day in the news, things are evolving and changing quickly. Taylor pointed out that the theme for today was Mission Possible, but she asked the audience, “Is the mission still possible in our current climate?” She said, even as a judge, “Sometimes I feel helpless”. But she challenged everyone and reminded them, “You still have the right to ask questions about what is happening in our society”. She said, “It may be dark outside, but we still need someone to speak up”. Taylor said that when she thinks about Dr. King, she thinks about the fight and commitment he had to make to bring about change, and she remembers the incredible things he did, reminding everyone that they “need to do your part”. Speaking about her life growing up and the strength she gained from her grandmother, along with everything else she has been through, Taylor said, “My resilience is my strength.” She showed the audience the t-shirt she was wearing with the words “I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams,” including a shirt she had printed with the same quote for her daughter. Wrapping up her presentation, she reminded everyone, “We will keep telling our story, and you should do what you can.”

The next person introduced was Oceanside Mayor Ester Sanchez who read the Oceanside City Council Proclamation that proclaimed “January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and January 17, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Remembrance in the City of Oceanside and call upon the people of our city to pay tribute to the life and works of Dr. King as well as join us in love and advocacy for this regional Community Prayer Breakfast”.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City of Oceanside Community Service award was presented to Robert P. Howard. In the recognition page about Howard, it said he “exemplifies the enduring spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a lifetime of service rooted in unity, justice, and servant leadership. In Oceanside, his leadership has strengthened civic life, expanded opportunity, and fostered meaningful connections among diverse communities”. He has been actively involved in the North County NAACP serving to advance equity, inclusion, and justice, also serving as a mentor with the NAACP Youth Council and the MiraCosta College Black Student Union. He has volunteered with the North County Women’s Association, Tri-City Hospital and the City of Oceanside. “Through faith, civic engagement, mentorship, and advocacy, Robert P. Howard continues to build bridges, strengthen community trust, and inspire the next generation of leaders in Oceanside”.

These are some of the main sponsors, program and table sponsors for the 2026 Dr. King Community Prayer Breakfast: the North San Diego County NAACP, City of Oceanside, Cal State Can Marcos, Friendly Church of God in Christ, Oceanside Unified School District, North County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Society, Surfside Masonic Lodge #112, Montford Point Marine Association Chapter #44, TrueCare, Agape Fellowship District, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, North County African American Women’s Association. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. XI Gamma Gamma Chapter, Ronald McDonald House Charities, North San Diego County Act SO, Mira Costa College, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter, North San Diego County Promise, Copy Max, Voices for Children, Alliance for Regional Solutions, Oceanside Community Library, Universidad Popular, Walker Chapel, and NSDC Youth Council to name a few.

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” From Dr. King’s 1959 March for Integrated Schools address.