Enriched by their diversity of races, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, and united by a shared vision to create positive change in the world, students from 81 Babson College organizations and athletics teams have come together this month for one cause.
Babson Students for Black Lives Matter.
They have rallied together to act, and with the College’s support, stand for justice for the shocking, immoral deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Manuel Ellis, and countless others.
“This fundraiser came to life after a brief conversation between the five of us late last Thursday, and now we have over 150 student leaders assembled in support of three amazing nonprofits. Conversations and action around racial justice do not stop here,” say Britney Aguayo ’21, Jaylen Bell ’21, Ysbely Santos ’23, Motolani Osinowo ’21, and Andrea Lindner ’22 of the Fundraiser Leadership Committee. “We plan to build on this unity from this point forward. This initiative is bigger than Babson, and we believe that with the right initiatives and structures, Babson can build a community of effective, dedicated allies. Stay tuned for what we do next!”
Help Support Babson Students Making a Difference
These 81 student groups, including Babson’s Black Student Union, African Student Organization, Student Government Association, and Origins of Necessary Equality, have a goal of raising at least $50,000 to support the Black community by raising funds for the following three organizations:
- 100 Black Men of America: “The nation’s top African American-led mentoring organization.”
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: “America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education.”
- Equal Justice Initiative: “Committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment while challenging racial and economic injustice.”
“After carefully considering these organizations, they have decided that these three nonprofits uphold the College’s core values while being effective in fighting racial inequality,” according to the giving page.
All proceeds will benefit the Black community. Gifts made to the College will be dispersed equally to the three organizations following the conclusion of the campaign. They aim to reach their goal of $50,000 through July 31, 2020, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Babson’s Black Student Union.
“As entrepreneurial leaders, we are driven to solve problems, to lead with empathy, and to create solutions to complex systemic challenges,” said President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD. “It is our responsibility to discuss and explore these issues, to listen and learn, to confront our own biases, and to speak out and lead change.”
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