MLK Community Service Award Recipient Announced

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service award is an annual award given to a resident of the City of Oceanside who exemplifies the ideals and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and who has served the community in volunteer activities over a period of time.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, the City of Oceanside, in collaboration with the North San Diego County NAACP, announced Mr. Robert Howard as the 2026 recipient of the City of Oceanside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award at the annual commemoration celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equity, inclusion, and justice, Mr. Rob Howard's years of volunteer service and servant leadership have been dedicated to advancing equity for all, support of public health initiatives impacting diverse and underserved communities, the empowerment of Oceanside youth through mentorship, civic engagement, and the pursuit of higher education and educational opportunities. He has been volunteering and serving the City of Oceanside in a variety of positions and capacities including, but not limited to, a variety of City Boards and Commissions, mentoring NAACP Youth Council, MiraCosta College's Black Student Union, Umoja and Service-Learning programs. His mentorship has aided Oceanside youth as they work through conflict, develop leadership skills, establish self-accountability and take an active role in civic engagement.

Mr. Howard has also volunteered numerous hours of service to the North County Women's Association, Tri-City Hospital, the Rise Church of Oceanside, the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, and several City of Oceanside Initiatives in public health, family empowerment, senior outreach, and youth engagement. Like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Robert Howard believes it is our responsibility to increase access to resources, promote interconnectedness, build resiliency and promote social equity and justice for all.

In addition, to his mentorship skills, Mr. Howard has advocated urban sustainability and environmental justice for all diverse communities. His work and volunteerism have demonstrated a commitment to safer and resilient neighborhoods and access to clean and sustainable resources. Rob Howard is also known for his conflict resolution skills, which have promoted open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect in bringing people of various racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds together to build a common goal and purpose for the betterment of all.

Mr. Howard's leadership has been greatly influenced and shaped by Dr. Martin Luther King's philosophy of collective compassion and shared purpose. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Mr. Rob believes that meaningful change can happen when individuals commit time, voice, and courage to the common good for all. Mr. Howard continues to build partnerships across communities, strengthen connectivity, establish community trust, and build hope for Oceanside residents and youth.

It is our honor to recognize Mr. Robert Howard as the City of Oceanside's 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award recipient!