By Steve Orbanek
Marketing Communications Specialist, Penn State Behrend
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
It was more than fifty years ago that these immortal words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
King’s vision and legacy is being celebrated this week at Penn State Behrend with a series of activities and events. Included among the events is the annual “I Am His Dream” march in which members of the Association of Black Collegians (ABC) marched on campus before engaging in a casual discussion to reflect on Dr. King’s ideals.
We caught up with some Behrend ABC members and asked them about their own dreams.
Khardiata Mbengue, senior, Biology
“My dream is to have all of the work and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. come to life. All of the ways that we’re not getting along would be solved, and there would be unity.”
Brianna Debow, sophomore, Communication
“I want to make this world be a place where everybody is equal and where racism is not alive. It’s about equality.”
Lola Soniregun, junior, Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies
“My dream is to see equal opportunity in the workplace.”
Marcus Yuille, senior, Political Science
“My dream is that all people would know the power they have to make a difference and make a change. And they would know they have to use that power for change to happen.”
Crystal Short, sophomore, Communication
“I want to continue to better myself, so I can continue to better others. We’re all in the same boat and all need each other.”
Adedolapo Akintola, junior, Biology
“The most important dream for me in regard to today’s society would be to live in a society where I can raise my son, and he doesn’t have to go outside and be scared. I want my son to be born into a society where he’s not automatically turned down for a job because his name frightens people. I’ve gone through that myself.”
Ally Johnson, sophomore, Project and Supply Chain Management and Psychology
“My dream is to be able to obtain a position where I can generate change and positivity for others.”
Timothee Paluku, sophomore, Industrial Engineering
“My dream is to eradicate evil.”
Malcolm Mallard, first-year student, Chinese
“My dream is to bring awareness to everyone. I want everyone to understand that we’re all alike, but what makes us different should be cherished.”
BEHREND BLOG 