Storytelling is the most powerful thing in the world, and the most important stories we create are our own lives, actor, producer, writer, and game show host Jaleel White told the Bryant community at this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Dinner.
"It's up to you to discover your hero's arc," the keynote speaker reminded the packed-to-capacity Stepan Grand Hall crowd on March 3.
One of Bryant University’s most honored traditions, the MLK Legacy Dinner, sponsored by a range of campus clubs and departments, brings the university together each year to reflect on the legacy of the civil rights leader and consider how they can carry his work forward in their own lives. Though this year’s event, usually held during Black History Month, had been rescheduled twice due to inclement weather, it was as crowded as it had ever been.
“Nothing makes me happier than to see so many organizations, students, faculty and staff, working together to build community and to make us stronger together,” noted Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., Bryant’s vice president of student affairs and dean of students, in her remarks to the audience.
White, best known for his nine years playing precocious genius Steve Urkel on the popular television program “Family Matters,” echoed her sentiments as he stepped to the podium to deliver his keynote. “I am humbled and awed by the diversity I see in this room tonight,” he reflected.
“I want to talk to you today about the power of planting seeds,” shared White. Using examples from his own long and winding career in entertainment, he noted that the route to success and fulfillment is not always straightforward.
“I'm really counting on younger generations to restore what makes America beautiful. And what makes America beautiful is its amazing, organic diversity,”
“Life has many paths,” he told the students. You can’t look at it as climbing to a mountaintop. You've got to look at it like a maze.”
But as they navigated their careers — and lives — they would have one major advantage, White said. “You get to choose who and what you want to serve,” he remarked. “You have to trust in the work, and you have trust in your purpose.”
That’s why college, and learning from different perspectives, is so important, he stated. “You get to wake up every day and be excited about that self-discovery and how that discovery can benefit other people,” White observed.
Following his address, White took part in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Hardee Patel ’27 and Liron Reshef ’27 that touched on his career, how his definition of success has evolved, and his hopes for the current generation of students.
“I'm really counting on younger generations to restore what makes America beautiful. And what makes America beautiful is its amazing, organic diversity,” White said.
He encouraged attendees to fight for civility, diversity, and equality. "At some of the most crucial points in your life, you are going to need the help of someone who does not look like you," he reminded them.
White, who was also presented with this year’s MLK Legacy Award by Andrea Cortes ’26, president of Bryant’s Multicultural Student Union, noted that the students will come to appreciate the diversity they experienced in college more and more as they grow older.
“I want you all to know that you did whatever you could to contribute to rooms like this and to making sure that they exist,” White said.
Many perspectives, one dream
The evening also included several presentations from Bryant students, who discussed the impact King’s words and actions have had on their lives.
“Tonight is not only a moment to reflect and remember, but a call to continue the work to be a passionate champion, building the world where every person is seen, valued, and protected.”
“Honoring Dr. King means more than remembering his famous speeches or celebrating for one dinner. It means asking ourselves how we treat others, how we respond to injustice, and whether we're willing to speak up when something isn't right,” suggested President of Bryant’s Student Programing Board Hailey Furtado ’26, ’27MBA “It means recognizing that equality and injustice are not abstract ideas. They affect real people in our classrooms, our communities, and our world.”
Graduate student Janell Gamboa ’25, ’26MBA explained how her understanding of Dr. King and his message have changed over time — from a smiling face in coloring books when she was young to a fuller picture of a courageous leader in a time of turmoil.
“Dr. King did not pursue peace because the road was easy. He pursued it because the healing was necessary,” she pointed out. From Montgomery to Birmingham peaceful protestors were met with brutal violence and King’s march in Washington, D.C — now remembered as a moment of hope and unity — came after years of struggle, and sacrifice.”
“He taught me that leadership is not about avoiding tension,” concluded Gamboa. “It is about standing firm in purpose, even when tension climbs within you.”
Nidya Merisier ’27 captured the spirit of the evening in her remarks.
“Through my experience on this campus, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community, culture, and collaboration,” she avowed. “Tonight is not only a moment to reflect and remember, but a call to continue the work to be a passionate champion, building the world where every person is seen, valued, and protected.”