Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho speaks to students about subconscious bias

Rutgers Student Centers and Activities hosted a moderated Q&A event on April 7 with Emmanuel Acho, former NFL linebacker and host of the Emmy-winning YouTube show, “Uncomfortable Conversations,” at the Livingston Student Center with the Rutgers Bias team for their Scarlet Speaker Series. 

Acho came to Rutgers campus to have an Uncomfortable conversation with students that delves into breaking down subconscious biases we all have to create a better community with each other. 

“Everybody’s right in their own eyes,” Acho said. He expanded on that idea throughout the night, explaining that much of the conflict in society comes from people seeing things from their own version of truth, often without recognizing how others experience the same moment. He urged students to consider perspective, empathy, and shared responsibility as tools for bridging those differences.

Acho also described his work as a way to create meaningful impact by pushing audiences into uncomfortable, but necessary, dialogue. Through storytelling and direct conversation, Acho emphasized that growth often begins when people are willing to sit with disagreement instead of avoiding it.

That idea was carried into one of the most personal moments of the night. During the Q&A, when a student asked how to find the courage to break away from cultural expectations tied to cultural identity and career paths. Acho reflected on his own upbringing, explaining that many people are shaped by labels and assumptions before they ever choose their own direction.

Acho stressed what he called the difference between “conviction” and “description,” saying that what drives a person internally has to come before how others define them. He added that when outside labels take control, people can end up living by expectation instead of purpose. For him, clarity comes when conviction comes first, shaping identity rather than being defined by it.

Across the discussion, Acho’s message consistently returned to perspective, bias, and the importance of uncomfortable conversations, leaving a strong impression on the student audience.

Dr. Phillip Smith, the Associate Dean of Students and the Director for Student Basic Needs, spoke about how his team got in contact with Emmanuel. “So we work with a booking agency that does a lot of different speaking type of engagements,” he said. “When we really wanted to bring someone in to talk about race and bias and other types of situations that students might face, he was one of the the top names that really rose to the top for us, especially with his book ‘Uncomfortable Conversations with the black man.”

Smith also revealed what he believes is the main takeaway that students and everyone in general should take to heart. “Yeah I think that the line being uncomfortable is one of the biggest things. Right? It’s stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Having new conversations, tasting a new food, finding a new friend group, visiting a new church,” he said. “Whatever you can learn what other cultures are around. And not just really siloing yourself into one type of situation just because you’re familiar with it. But also just stepping out, I think helps you with broadening your scope and also making you a better human in general.”

Dr. Amy Miele, the other Associate Dean of Students and Co-Chair of the Bias Team with Dr. Smith, revealed how bringing Emmanuel fit into what they stand for. “Acho really fits into our vision and mission for just a more holistic and integrated safe, respectful campus environment.,” Miele said. “I thought the stories that he told and just his conviction and his purpose in life really fit with what we’re trying to do here at Rutgers. We want every student to feel like they have a home here.”

The Bias team is a group dedicated to minimizing acts of discrimination on campus for all. The group receives anonymous submissions that shine light and address issues facing students, faculty, and staff through semesters and interventions open to all students. Students can submit anonymous complaints at StudentAffairs.rutgers.edu 

Story by Joshua Jacob. Jaiden Gomez also contributed to this report.