An event aimed at breaking down racial, class and religious barriers takes place at the University of Windsor's School of Social Work Friday evening.
This is the third year for the "Making it Awkward" event that encourages uncomfortable conversations about the differences people face.
Chanel Beckford is a fourth year student as well as a performer at the event and says the idea is to get people talking about issues they feel uncomfortable about.
"We have various panelists that are prominent within the community, we have vendors that will be part of a marketplace and people came come see things such as jewelry and art and we will have performances as well."
Beckford says the goal is to eventually make things that are uncomfortable, less so.
"The ultimate objective is for people to leave here and to have other awkward conversations surrounding systemic oppression within visible minorities — but also to take action and to advocate in whatever capacity they have influence in."
Among the panelists are former University of Windsor Student President, now political consultant Tiffany Goochm Raven Wing the creator of Black Lives matter Toronto, New Beginnings Executive Director Mary Kay Morand and Toronto based writer and activist Fatima Ahmed.
The event takes place from 6pm-9pm.