Faarooq Sahabdeen '19: Championing Justice and Equity

Faarooq Sahabdeen ‘19, a Sri Lankan-American raised in Western Massachusetts, entered Emmanuel College planning to major in business management. Just days into his freshman year, however, he realized it wasn't the right fit.

A fortuitous schedule change resulted in him taking an American politics course, taught by Dr. Marie Natoli, Professor of Political Science. The course ignited his passion for the field, leading to what he described as his “political awakening.”

"I sat in the course, and immediately had a drive and yearning to learn more,” he said.

It was anything but serendipity that landed Sahabdeen at Emmanuel. Growing up in Amherst, he knew he wanted to leave behind the familiarity of a small town and immerse himself in the vibrancy of an urban college environment. The College stood out for its central location in the heart of Boston and intimate campus community. He was drawn to the idea of small class sizes, where he could interact directly with professors and build meaningful connections with his peers.

“At larger schools, you’re just a number. At Emmanuel, students engage with professors and everybody knows your name,” he said.

A Life-Changing Encounter

A pivotal moment in Sahabdeen’s journey came during a summer fellowship with the Capital Leadership Academy, in Washington, D.C., where he met the legendary civil rights leader U.S. Representative John Lewis. Listening to Rep. Lewis speak was a life-changing experience for Sahabdeen. He was so moved that he waited hours outside Rep. Lewis’s office to meet with him one-on-one. Rep. Lewis challenged Sahabdeen’s doubts about pursuing a career in politics and urged him to break free from his preconceptions. The conversation shaped Sahabdeen’s future. Inspired and moved, Sahabdeen returned to Boston with a renewed sense of purpose and changed his major to political science.

"I was just incredibly, incredibly taken aback. He almost shook me with his words," Sahabdeen recalled.

Building a Foundation at Emmanuel College

At Emmanuel, Sahabdeen found professors who pushed him to think critically, challenge his assumptions, and engage with his studies. Whether in the classroom or during office hours, his professors instilled in him the importance of clear and concise writing, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the material — skills that continue to be integral to his career.

"I was lucky to have professors that were more than just educators — they were also mentors. They really pushed me on some of the thoughts I had," he said.

Sahabdeen’s time at Emmanuel was also instrumental in preparing him for the responsibilities and roles required in policy-making and community organizing. "My professors taught me how to write everything from policy memos to legislation and for a variety of audiences, like ambassadors and State Department officials," he said. "Emmanuel really gave me a strong foundation."

Community Organizing and Advocacy

Sahabdeen's community organizing work has focused on a range of issues, including racial economic justice, health and education equity, voter education, and criminal justice reform. His experiences working with organizations like the NAACP and the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, an organization he co-founded to help minority-owned restaurants survive the pandemic, have provided him with valuable insights into the challenges facing marginalized communities.

Sahabdeen emphasized the importance of community engagement and relationship-building in his work. "As a community organizer, building intentional relationships and listening are the cornerstones of my work. By truly connecting with community members, I gain a deep understanding of their needs and aspirations. This allows me to advocate for their interests effectively and build a strong, united community.”

Career in Public Service

Sahabdeen’s experience in grassroots organizing and policy advocacy led him to the office of U.S. Senator Ed Markey. "I was thinking about what I could do where I could make more impact, where I could have intentionality," he explained. “The opportunity to work with Senator Markey, whose legislative priorities align with my values, made it a perfect fit.”

In his role as regional director for Sen. Ed Markey in the 7th and 8th Congressional Districts, Sahabdeen combines his passion for policy with his commitment to community engagement. He works on policy development, constituent outreach, and coalition building, ensuring that the needs of the communities he represents are met. On the state level, he serves as the Senator’s lead on housing, small business, justice, and anti-racism initiatives.

"My role is to be the eyes and ears for the Senator. I dive into policy as well as constituent work,” he said.

Whether it’s organizing events, drafting policy memos or meeting with community leaders, Sahabdeen’s work is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to use his skills and knowledge to advance social justice and equity.

Looking to the Future

When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Sahabdeen is quick to acknowledge that there's work still to be done. He takes pride in his contributions to criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and his efforts to support minority-owned businesses during the pandemic. But for Sahabdeen, the focus is always on the future—on what more can be achieved and how he can continue to serve his community.

Sahabdeen plans to advance his career by attending law school and becoming a practicing lawyer. Inspired by legal giants like Thurgood Marshall, he hopes to work in civil-rights litigation, particularly in the areas of education and racial justice. While he remains open to the possibility of running for office, Sahabdeen is content for now to work behind the scenes, using his skills and experience to drive change.

Faarooq Sahabdeen's career and his ongoing advocacy have positioned him as a rising star in the field. As he continues to pursue his career aspirations, he is poised to make a lasting impact on his community and beyond.