Orange High School came together on February 20, 2026, to celebrate Black History Month with a powerful Oratorical Assembly held in the school auditorium. The program was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Unity and Diversity Club, African American Culture Club, and Creative Connections Club, along with the OHS Choir, the OHS Social Studies Department, and faculty members Robin Bonner, Kathy Frazier, and Dalton Phillips.

The assembly honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of words, centered around the theme "The Power of WE Begins with ME" — a message rooted in the belief that we can accomplish more together than alone. Students expressed this theme through poetry, spoken word, and speeches, while inspirational video messages from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman were also shared with the audience. 

The program opened with remarks from speakers Laneisha Bass, Simon Keating, Liam Ashby, and Hannah Peacock. The OHS Choir then moved the audience with a stirring rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," performed by Shy'la Barclay, Khlarissa Goins, and Orinnma Williams. A highlight of the program was an excerpt from Rev. Jackson's iconic "Patchwork Quilt" speech delivered at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. The oratorical portion of the program featured original works by Mykael Lately and Troy Woodard, with a poem by Makenzie Kirksey read by Liam Ashby. The assembly closed with Russell Tye and Roshan Garner presenting an overview of the upcoming 2026–27 African American Studies course, which will be available to senior students. Other student participants were Seth Rivera, Kaylan Vasanji, and Olivia Schartman.

Advisors Robin Bonner and Kathy Frazier visited each OHS Social Studies class in preparation for the event and asked students to consider writing a poetry slam, poem, or speech about  "The Power of WE Begins with ME." Participating in the oratorical helps students build confidence in public speaking, improves critical thinking, enhances persuasive communication abilities, develops active listening skills, encourages creative speech writing and delivery, and fosters networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.