ACC talks Black History Month: Khayree O. Williams

Submitted by victoria.garza on Fri, 02/28/2020 - 9:40am

Throughout Black History Month, Austin Community College (ACC) sits down with influential and accomplished faculty and staff to discuss what Black History Month means to them.

Meet Khayree O. Williams, M.Ed., the founding director of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center (TRHT). He builds bridges between communities by listening to learn.

Why do you work at ACC?

I truly believe that ACC is for everyone and plays a vital role in providing educational access for our community!

Why do you believe it's important for the college to commemorate Black History Month?

Black history is America's history; however, we have not done a great job of integrating its importance into K-12 and higher education curriculum. This leaves students having to do the work and research on their own to be informed citizens!

What are some personal or professional accomplishments you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my current role as the new founding director of our soon to launch Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. This is a reflection of ACC's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students and to contributing to the work that exists in the Austin community!

What's the best lesson you've learned?

I have learned that regardless of our race, ethnicity, or cultural background, it is important to understand that we have all been impacted by biased and stereotyped thinking.

Why do you feel it is important to seek out and value diverse perspectives?

It is important that we are all committed to doing the intentional work of growing in the area of cultural competency to make our organizations, communities, and the world a better place!