Editor’s Note — This story was updated March 25 to clarify the event in which Emmanuel Acho will participate. The March 31 event will be a moderated conversation during which Acho will answer questions from Nebraska’s Charlie Foster and Drake Keeler. The previous version reported that Acho would keynote the event.
Author, broadcaster and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho will headline an event during the 11th anniversary celebration of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and the continued work of the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services.
The weeklong celebration is March 29-April 2, and includes a lip-sync battle, open house and themed meetings for Dish It Up.
“Igniting Inclusive Dialogue with Emmanuel Acho,” is at 5:45 p.m. March 31. Participants must register prior to the event for a link.
Acho is a New York Times bestselling author and the host of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” His groundbreaking online series to drive meaningful dialogue around racial insensitivity and ignorance launched in June 2020 with more than 80 million views to date. Acho is a Fox Sports Analyst and television personality. He co-hosts “Speak for Yourself” on FS1, and he has a master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Texas.
Acho published the book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” in November 2020, and has announced a forthcoming version of the book for younger readers, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy,” which will be published in May. Most recently, Acho hosted the “After the Final Rose” special of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” and received further praise.
“Emmanuel Acho has used his social cache as a former NFL standout and current sports analyst to create space for dialogue about diversity and inclusion,” said Charlie Foster, assistant vice chancellor for inclusive student excellence and director of the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services. “Similarly, I am excited about how we can expand our dialogue about diversity on this campus. His willingness to have ‘uncomfortable conversations’ fits completely with the efforts the university is making through our anti-racist journey and commitment to Husker Dialogues. I am hopeful that we will reach a good number of students, faculty and staff through this creative speaker.”
The Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center opened in 2010, and is home to many groups, clubs and events, along with OASIS, the Kawasaki Reading Room and the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community. The center continues the tradition of past culture centers at Nebraska, providing a home away from home for underrepresented students while welcoming all students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests. The Gaughan Center offers culturally relevant resources and activities for the entire university community. Additional information can be found here.
A schedule of additional events for the weeklong celebration is as follows:
March 29, beginning at noon on social media channels — Fourth annual Multicultural Lip Sync Battle. Watch student groups’ videos of pre-recorded lip syncs and vote for the winner, which will be announced April 2 on the OASIS Instagram, @unl_oasis.
March 29, 7 p.m. — Late Night Dish It Up. For university students, faculty and staff only, this Dish It Up session will focus on prejudices, stereotypes and biases that affect student athletes.
March 31, 1-3 p.m. — Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Open House. Stop by the Gaughan Center to take a break from study and work to engage in some activities throughout the center.
April 1, 5-6 p.m. — Chef It Up with ASU and OASIS. Come learn a bit about cooking Asian cuisine. The Asian Student Union and OASIS will cook a delicious Asian meal on Instagram live.
