On the evenings of February 18 and February 27, 2026, students at both Oshkosh West High School and Oshkosh North High School celebrated Black History Month by hosting Black History Gallery Walks - community celebrations dedicated to honoring cultural pioneers of the past and inspiring new generations of changemakers.

First established by the Oshkosh West Black Student Union (BSU) in 2025, the Black History Gallery Walk served as an opportunity for the Oshkosh community to come together to learn, reflect, and celebrate Black history and culture. Building on the previous year’s success, this year’s event at Oshkosh West included a formal ceremony, which featured speeches from BSU members, an explanation of the BSU’s core values and community involvement, a keynote address from Dr. Sam Coleman, OASD assistant superintendent of instruction, and resonant spoken word performances of original pieces created by students. 

View photos from the Oshkosh West BSU’s Black History Gallery Walk held on February 18, 2026 HERE.

At Oshkosh North, the school’s Black Student Union hosted its inaugural Black History Gallery of Heroes, an event welcoming to all students, families, and community members, which offered a variety of family-friendly games and activities, a prize raffle, and refreshments. The main event of the evening was the program presented by the Oshkosh North BSU, which featured remarks by BSU members and two spoken word performances of famous works from renowned Black poets - “And Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou, and “Dreams” by Langston Hughes.

View photos from the Oshkosh North BSU’s Black History Gallery of Heroes held on February 27, 2026 HERE.

After the conclusion of the program at each school’s celebration, attendees were encouraged to participate in the student-curated Black History Gallery Walk to learn about pivotal black individuals who shaped history, influenced culture, and achieved milestones in a variety of careers and professions. Attendees of both celebrations were also able to explore the Read More table, which offered free book kits courtesy of the Read More Oshkosh community literacy initiative. The books available to take home all featured Black characters and their unique stories, experiences, and voices.

Honoring the Heroes of Today

Central to both Black History Gallery Walk ceremonies this year was the addition of the BSU Excellence in Community Impact Award. This award is a recognition aimed to honor a community member who has made a meaningful and positive impact within the Oshkosh community through their service, mentorship, and dedication. The recipient for each school’s award was selected by students, and was someone who they observed modeling excellence and achievement on a daily basis.

At Oshkosh West, Mr. Anthony Miller Jr. - OASD director of community engagement and equity - was named this year’s recipient of the Oshkosh West BSU Excellence in Community Impact Award. During the Black History Gallery Walk ceremony, BSU member, Kymani S., presented Mr. Miller with the award and expressed how Mr. Miller serves as an invested mentor for students and an advocate for the community.

“Director Miller has not only poured his time, energy, and wealth of knowledge into the group, but has also served as a resource for every single one of our members,” said Micah T., Oshkosh West BSU President. “Over the three years since joining the District, he has personally mentored students within our group, led conversations centered around Black Excellence and history, and served as an example of what excellence and achievement look like in every interaction.”

“To be honest with you all, this probably is the most important recognition that I have received,” said Mr. Miller while accepting the award. “It’s simply because you, as students, recognize me for my effort and the commitment that I have to you all in regards to supporting your excellence and your academic journeys. Everything that I do is for students,” Mr. Miller continued, “This award is not something that I was expecting, but I am very appreciative of the BSU. Thank you.”

At Oshkosh North, the BSU named Oshkosh North teacher assistant, Mrs. Olufunke Akinleye - affectionately known as “Mrs. A” by the students - as the recipient of their school’s BSU Excellence in Community Impact Award. Having worked at Oshkosh North for nearly 14 years, Mrs. Akinleye has served as a passionate advocate and a consistent source of support for students.

“Olufunke Akinleye, or Mrs. A, brings a diverse background and perspective to our school community and works tirelessly each day to support and uplift her students. Her commitment to equity, growth, and student success does not go unnoticed by those she inspires daily,” said Oshkosh North BSU President Adut M., while presenting the award. “I have personally observed her resilience and dedication, even when her efforts are not always publicly recognized. It is a true honor to acknowledge her contributions through this award and celebrate the positive influence she continues to have within our school community.”

Within her award acceptance speech, Mrs. Akinleye expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared her own story of how she began working in Oshkosh schools, how her experiences as both a staff member and a parent to OASD students have shaped her perspectives on what is possible in life, and how students have brought inspiration and purpose to her work.

At the conclusion of her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akinleye shared profound advice with the young people in attendance. “Never let someone else define your limits. Never confuse asking for help with weakness. Never allow fear to close doors that were meant to open for you. Many people today believe independence means doing everything alone. That is not strength. Strength is building community. Strength is leaning on others. Strength is lifting others as you rise. As you sit here today, I want you to think about three questions. What path do you want to take? What path have you been afraid to take? And when you walk your path, what will you leave behind? Your legacy is not your job title - it is the lives you touch. It is the door you open for others.”

Thank you, Students

As a district, we are so proud to see our students organize and participate in such meaningful events centered around social engagement, reflection, and a deepening sense of community. This year’s Black History Gallery Walk and Black History Gallery Walk of Heroes served as wonderful opportunities to honor the past while allowing room for constructive dialogue to guide priorities of our community’s present and future. Through students’ leadership, valuable input, and committment to improving the educational experiences for all students today, our school communities grow stronger, more connected, and better able to serve the generations of the future.