On February 27, 2025, Barry University in collaboration with community partners, hosted Uncomfortable Conversations: A Movement for Social Change, a powerful campus dialogue featuring Emmanuel Acho, former NFL player and New York Times bestselling author, and Noa Tishby, Israeli actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff for an evening centered on honest conversation, critical reflection, and mutual understanding.
Drawing from their respective works—Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man and Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth as well as their co-authored book Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, Acho and Tishby explored complex questions of identity, history, and public discourse. Their conversation addressed the challenges of navigating difference while emphasizing the importance of empathy, courage, and listening across perspectives.
Throughout the program, participants were invited to reflect on the role of dialogue in countering stereotypes, reducing polarization, and fostering connection across communities. The event highlighted the value of engaging difficult topics thoughtfully and respectfully, reinforcing the importance of shared humanity and principled conversation in educational spaces.
