On March 25, 2025, Austin Community College’s (ACC’s) Rio Grande Campus buzzed with heartfelt conversations, laughter, and quiet moments of reflection as nearly 150 students, staff, and community members gathered for the Red Bench Dialogue Event on the topic of “Courage.” Held at the Center for Government and Civic Service (CGCS), the event was a collaboration between ACC’s Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED), the Office of Belonging and Purpose, the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Center, and Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT).

The evening opened with the stirring sounds of ACC’s student string quartet, setting the tone for a meaningful night, followed by a warm welcome from the Office of Experiential Learning Director, Dr. Sam Greer. Simone Talma Flowers, Executive Director of iACT, led the program with this powerful reminder:

“There’s lots of noise out there saying we need to be afraid of each other, and to that, we say NO! We need to learn from each other.”

Director of ACC’s TRHT Center, Dr. Khayree Williams, framed the evening’s theme with a deeply personal and motivational message:

“Courage is embracing the greatness within you…and being courageous enough to say none of us are perfect…We are so much greater when we surround ourselves with people who think differently than us.”

Guided by that spirit, the structured table dialogues invited participants to speak openly and listen deeply. The conversations were facilitated by 35 trained ACC students from Social Psychology, Peace and Conflict Studies, and English Honors courses. Attendees explored what courage means in their own lives—how it shows up, how it feels, and how it connects us.

First-time participants were struck by the openness of the space. Student Christina Longoria shared,

“Red Bench offers everyone an openness to curiosity… people who tend to lean toward judgment have an opportunity to be more curious.”

Others were simply grateful for the opportunity to connect. Christopher Rzigalinksi from the Office of Experiential Learning said,

“I’m excited to bond over the common journeys of courage that we all share.” 

Faculty support was also strong. Dr. LaKisha Barrett, Associate Dean in the Office of Belonging and Purpose, expressed the significance of showing up:

“Being in a community with people who want to share deeply of their heart… makes me want to come out and be in community with them and also support my students. I would move the earth, I would move the stars, I would move the universe for them.”

The event was filled to capacity and included 85 ACC students, 19 faculty and staff, and 40 community members. Thanks to the Office of Energy and Sustainability, it was also a Zero Waste Event—demonstrating that care for our community can extend to care for the planet.

In a time when division often drowns out dialogue, the Red Bench offers a different way forward—one built on shared meals, honest stories, and a collective commitment to understanding. As Dr. Williams reminded us,

“Being able to be open and vulnerable about our story… puts us in a better position to be a better community.”

For those who joined us, thank you for bringing your full selves into the circle. And for those curious about future Red Bench Dialogues, we invite you to lean in with courage—and pull up a seat.

Click here to view the event recap reel.

Red Bench is a program of Interfaith Action of Central Texas and takes place regularly throughout the year. Stay connected with the Office of Experiential Learning within TLED to learn about future opportunities to participate.