Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker, sports analyst and thought leader, explained the importance of challenging the status quo with uncomfortable conversations during the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Community Conversation on April 26. Moderated by Ken Hersh, president and CEO of the Bush Center, Acho said these conversations promote healing and education while bridging division.
Acho began his mission to bridge cultural divides through honest conversation after George Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020. He began his web series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” which included notable guests like Matthew McConaughey, Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I don’t believe that those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are affected,” Acho said. “Sometimes you have to get comfortable with somebody, feel their pain, what is making them cry, what’s making them hurt.”
He spoke on the importance of resilience in difficult situations–From tearing his quad running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine to a short career in the NFL due to his injuries, he shifted his focus to speaking out against issues plaguing the country.
“You didn’t fail, you fell,” Acho said. “Keep getting up. Sometimes your detour is greater than your original destination.”
Acho, who made it to No.1 on the New York Times best-selling author list for his book “Illogical,” was in disbelief that Florida and the Naval Academy library banned him.
“A book that by no means promotes division–it promotes healing, a book that is trying to educate our homes, schools, businesses and leaders,” Acho said. “I realized then you can silence the page, but you cannot silence the person.”
After sharing his message on the importance of unity in pushing back against inequality and injustices in America, Acho left a strong impression on many audience members who believed the conversation came at an appropriate time.
“This evening was a very impactful evening, and it was a very timely conversation given the climate of our country,” Archie Nettles Jr., who works in government affairs for Line Barger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, said.
Acho’s conversation with Hersh provided inspiration to audience members like Daniela Ramirez, who has worked in diversity, equity and inclusion.
“It was inspirational,” Ramirez said. “His phrases were short and impactful, and I liked hearing about his career trajectory.
Acho’s message is clear: creating real change starts with individuals recognizing the influence they already have and using it with purpose.
“To whom much is given, much is required. If you’ve been given a lot, then there’s a responsibility to do a lot,” Acho said. “You’re doing it out of creating a better future for the next generation. You’re doing it to make sure you leave the world better than you found the world.”
