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Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off, it’s a time for reflection, learning, and engagement in conversations that push us to think critically about diversity, inclusion, and justice. This year at Bentley, I had the unique opportunity to experience both sides of the table, as an audience member in one session and as a panelist in another. Each experience broadened my understanding of the importance of MLK’s legacy and how it connects to the world of business, marketing, and culture.
One of the sessions I attended was Bentley Goes to ADCOLOR, a panel discussion featuring the founder of ADCOLOR and three Bentley students who attended the ADCOLOR Conference. ADCOLOR is a conference dedicated to celebrating diversity in the creative and marketing industries, and this session highlighted the powerful impact it has on students.
The panelists shared their experiences, describing how the conference introduced them to professionals of color in marketing, all holding various titles and making strides in their industries. They recounted meeting influential figures like Queen Latifah, the VP of Sony, and executives from iHeartRadio.
What stood out most was how representation truly matters. Seeing successful professionals who looked like them reinforced the idea that diversity in marketing and business is not only possible but necessary. The discussion ended with an engaging Q&A session, where audience members, including myself, had the chance to dive deeper into the impact of ADCOLOR and how Bentley students can take part in similar opportunities.
While it was insightful to listen and learn from others, I also had the chance to be on the other side, as a panelist in another MLK Day discussion. This session focused on the Spring Intensive Study Abroad program in Jamaica, which I participated in during Spring Break 2024.
Our discussion connected MLK’s fight for freedom and culture to Jamaican history and traditions. We reflected on our expectations before the trip and how our perspectives changed afterward. One question that stood out was: “What did you think about Jamaica before and after your visit?” This sparked a heartfelt conversation among us panelists as we reminisced about the beautiful moments we shared.
I mentioned the beaches and clear waters, and we all smiled and nodded in excitement, it was a collective moment of nostalgia, reminding us of how deeply transformative this experience was. Beyond the scenery, though, we talked about the rich culture, resilience, and pride of the Jamaican people, which resonated with the values MLK stood for.
Lastly, MLK Day at Bentley isn’t just about honoring a historical figure, it’s about engaging in conversations that challenge us to think about inclusion, representation, and cultural understanding. Whether it’s through panels like Bentley Goes to ADCOLOR or study abroad reflections, these discussions help shape us into well-rounded business leaders who understand the importance of diversity.
