Living Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream at Babson College

More than 60 years ago, on August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Decades after giving one of the most influential speeches in American history, Dr. King’s words are still felt around the world and across the nation, including at Babson College. 

The vision that he created and the sacrifices that he and others made gave me opportunities and dreams of my own to pursue. 

As a kid, I grew up thinking the world was peaches and cream. My mom told me the world can be a cold and bitter place, and for someone like me, the world would see me as a misfit. I am an openly gay Black man. That identity in America is not easy to deal with. You’re too Black for one group and too gay for the other. Learning how to be able to be myself unapologetically was not easy. I grew up in a neighborhood that you wouldn’t necessarily want to raise a child. Growing up in that environment I had to learn a lot about life and how to keep myself safe in dangerous areas.  

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LEGACY DAY: Dr. Regine Jean-Charles will be the keynote speaker at Babson’s 22nd annual event at 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 12 at the Sorenson Arts Center. Register now.

Someone like me wasn’t supposed to be at Babson. Dr. King’s dream gave me a fighting chance to get a great education and career that will take care of me and my family. 

Once I arrived at Babson, I experienced a huge culture shock. I did not know where to go or whom to talk to. That’s when I met students who were a part of the Black Student Union (BSU), which, for me, represented a group of people who love and support each other. I now serve as the vice president of BSU, and I was fortunate to serve as the sixth community manager of The Johnson House, our living-living community, which has become my welcoming home on campus.  

MLK fought for freedom for all races in America. He also wanted to create balance for everyone so we all as a people can have the same opportunities in life no matter who you are or where you come from. He made his life’s work to help other people get what they deserve. BSU has taken a similar mission to the life, work, and mission of MLK. 

“Someone like me wasn’t supposed to be at Babson. King’s dream gave me a fighting chance to get a great education and a career that will take care of me and my family.”
Sevyn Williams ’25

Dr. King has a special place in my heart because he never gave up no matter how hard it was. He gave his own life for the equality of people everywhere but especially people who look like me. He is an inspiration to me and many across the nation.  

Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of not judging people by the color of their skin but the content of their character is reality at the Black Student Union. BSU has provided a safe haven for students from all around the world. We as an organization embody the mission and the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. We don’t judge people based on skin color, religion, nationality, or sexuality. We love all people and welcome anyone from all walks of life. 

Just the way that MLK dreamed. 

Sevyn Williams ’25 is the vice president of the Black Student Union at Babson College and served as the sixth community manager of The Johnson House. He will be graduating in December. 

Posted in Community

Tagged Campus, Inclusive Excellence, Student Life, Class of 2025

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