FSU Panel Discusses Impact of MLK's Legacy

Faculty and administrators share how Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings have influenced their careers and personal lives.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Center for Inclusive Excellence at Framingham State University hosted a panel discussion on February 18th featuring several faculty and administrators who shared how the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. have impacted their work and personal lives. The panelists discussed topics ranging from how King's writings have influenced their teaching and writing, to the importance of continuing his fight for justice and equity.

Why it matters

This panel discussion highlights how the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. remains relevant and impactful for educators and administrators at Framingham State University. By reflecting on King's teachings and their own efforts to embody his values of service, empathy, and social justice, the panelists demonstrate the continued importance of keeping King's dream alive within academic institutions and local communities.

The details

The panel included Stephanie Logan, dean of education and social services; Vivian Okyere, access services librarian; Benjamin Day, director of the Framingham State Counseling Center; David Baldwin, director of Human Resources; and Tatiana Johnson-Boria, a visiting lecturer in the English department. They discussed how King's writings, speeches, and vision for equality have influenced their teaching, community service, and personal outlooks. The panelists shared specific examples of how they try to honor King's legacy, such as donating time to local food pantries, embracing diverse cultures, and always pushing for progress, even when faced with challenges.

  • The panel discussion took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Stephanie Logan

Dean of education and social services at Framingham State University.

Vivian Okyere

Access services librarian at the Henry Whittemore Library at Framingham State University.

Benjamin Day

Director of the Framingham State Counseling Center.

David Baldwin

Director of Human Resources at Framingham State University.

Tatiana Johnson-Boria

Visiting lecturer in the English department at Framingham State University.

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What they’re saying

“I'm also a writer and an artist, so I think a lot of what his work has influenced me to do is figure out how to harness language in powerful ways.”

— Tatiana Johnson-Boria, Visiting Lecturer, English Department (fsugatepost.com)

“I try to live to that hope of treating everyone with respect and kindness and compassion.”

— David Baldwin, Director of Human Resources (fsugatepost.com)

“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. Create the community where they feel heard, they feel loved, they feel they can voice what is on their mind.”

— Vivian Okyere, Access Services Librarian (fsugatepost.com)

“What kind of rights do you have if they can be taken away? … The struggle is forever. There is no retirement. There is struggle, and there is the need to always push, push, push.”

— Benjamin Day, Director, Framingham State Counseling Center (fsugatepost.com)

“We have a responsibility as an institution to not let the dream die.”

— David Baldwin, Director of Human Resources (fsugatepost.com)

What’s next

The panel discussion was a one-time event, but Framingham State University plans to continue hosting similar programs to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and inspire the campus community to embody his values of justice, equity, and service.

The takeaway

This panel discussion demonstrates how the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. continue to resonate and guide the work of educators and administrators at Framingham State University. By reflecting on King's impact and their own efforts to enact positive change, the panelists show the enduring importance of keeping King's dream alive within academic institutions and local communities.