Along with OUSD, I Celebrate Civil Rights Icon Martin Luther King, Jr.

Every January, I look forward to honoring one of the most important figures in American history, someone whose impact changed my life. I was a child here in Oakland and remember learning about the history that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was making as it happened. Of course, my family was watching his fight for civil rights in real time, always hoping for the best. I was 14 years old when Dr. King was taken from us, and I remember that loss like it was yesterday. Fortunately for all of us, he had already helped create so much change that all of us were the better for it.

The students and staff of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary hosted the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation in September 2025. Pictured standing are (L-R) Principal Roma Groves-Waters, the Currys, Arndrea King, Martin Luther King III, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler.

It's because of the rights that so many of us now have that we celebrate Dr. King every year, nearly 60 years after his death. It’s also one of the reasons we are so pleased to have Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary as one of our longtime schools. Last September, it was truly my honor to be at the site when Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea visited as part of a big event with Stephen and Ayesha Curry and their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. Mr. King literally left his mark on the school building during a day of painting and playground preparation before he and his wife posed for photos with the Curry's next to a mural of his father.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Of course, now is an uncertain time with many concerning things happening in our country and internationally. Recently, there has been a clear surge of conflict, racism, sexism, and all forms of hatred. And now is a time as much as any to remember that Dr. King was absolutely right, that we must continue to struggle to effect important and durable change.

Dr. King also said, "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness." This is where we have to remember that we must always be there for each other. As students, as staff, and as the Oakland community. We cannot fall into the trap of thinking only of ourselves. We must care for our family, our friends, our neighbors, and the people in our community who are farthest from opportunity.

I want to remind everyone why education is so important, and what makes it the great equalizer. If a student is dedicated to learning, takes advantage of all the opportunities to build knowledge and understanding in our schools, if they gain a greater ability to problem solve, they will be well-prepared for post-secondary education and life in the world of work, and they’ll be better prepared to make an impact in our community, our city, and our world. Anyone can take advantage of a great education and turn it into a great career, an impactful life, and lasting change for them and those around them. And your education is something that no one can ever take away from you.

As Dr. King said, "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."

Lastly, I want to remind us all to think of Monday’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday not as a day "off," but a day "on." Here in Oakland, our community comes together every year for a day of service in honor of Dr. King. I invite you and your families to join in by taking action in support of Dr. King’s legacy by spending time caring for the environment and uplifting our neighborhoods through hands-on service. There are service projects taking place across the city on January 19, and you can find one near you.

In community,

Dr. Denise Saddler
Superintendent