On April 24, the George W. Bush Presidential Center welcomed Emmanuel Acho to Southern Methodist University for an unforgettable Community Conversation, moderated by Bush Center President and CEO Ken Hersh. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas was honored to be one of the sponsors of the evening, which brought together change-seekers, community leaders and bold thinkers from across North Texas. 

Emmanuel Acho—a former NFL player, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and an unflinching voice for social impact—delivered an electrifying dialogue on purpose, justice and what it takes to spark real, lasting change. The conversation was informative, humorous and deeply moving, resonating with everyone in the audience who believes in our mission of making North Texas the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

Highlights from the Conversation 

Read on for some of Emmanuel’s most powerful insights from this engaging talk:  

On Calling:
“Your calling is your calling, not a conference call.”
Emmanuel reminded us that purpose is personal. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift or stepping into leadership, the path you feel drawn to is yours alone to walk—and you don’t need consensus to follow it. 

On Justice and Empathy:
“Justice won’t be served until those that are unaffected are as outraged as those that are affected.”
With clarity and conviction, Emmanuel challenged the audience to stand in solidarity, not only when they are impacted, but especially when they are not. True justice, he argued, demands proximity, empathy and shared courage. 

On Common Ground:
“The common opponent is not each other. The common opponent is hate. The common opponent is oppression.”
Drawing from his experience in NFL locker rooms, Emmanuel illuminated how shared purpose can transcend difference. In society, he said, we must unite against the real adversaries—division, inequality and fear. 

On Moral Responsibility:
“If you can do something for the greater good—and do it better than most—you are morally irresponsible not to do it.”
These words resonated deeply with a crowd committed to service and impact, serving as both a challenge and a call to action. 

View the Video On-Demand 

Whether you were in the room or missed it live, this is a conversation worth hearing in full. Click below to watch the video on demand and be inspired to shift mindsets, pursue bold goals and lead meaningful change—in your own life and right here at home in North Texas. 

What’s Next?  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we have several exciting and impactful events on the horizon, as the entire Live United movement celebrates United Way’s Centennial anniversary with special events, speakers and volunteer opportunities.   

Join the World’s Largest Corporate Running Event   

Connect with your colleagues, support employee wellbeing and network with your local business community on Thursday, May 8 at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, a fun-filled event that will benefit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Learn more and sign up.   

Volunteer to Support Food Security   

As part of our Aspire United 2030 Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, we’re holding a Summer Meals Kickoff on Thursday, June 12 in West Dallas. We invite you to volunteer for one of our most impactful events of the season, which will welcome local families to the Summer Meals program with free food provided by Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services and snow cones, crafts, inflatables and music. Click here to volunteer.  

Save the Date for Our Centennial Celebration and Concert
Presented by PepsiCo 

Join us Saturday, November 15  

at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park for the unforgettable culmination of our yearlong Centennial Anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for details on the Taste United Food Fest, VIP Dinner, exclusive concert and more! Sign Up for Updates