EPISODE · Mar 29, 2022 · 1H
E82. A Tree with Onion Roots - with Leo Mercer, Creative, Thought Leader, & Raptivist
from unMASKing with Male Educators: Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms & Schools for Male Students · host Ashanti Branch - Taking Off The Mask
“I was raised in a violent environment, so, as much as I want to be positive, it’s just satisfying to do some of that petty stuff. As much as I don’t want to, as much as I’m like, ‘I can’t- that’s ratchet- whoo wham,’ like, that’s me. That’s how I grew up... There is a lot of pressure to be a positive person.” Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Leo Mercer. As an Oakland native, Leo has been running creative campaigns and executing community organizing work in Oakland since 2009. Leo has a full, empathetic heart, and he’s always thinking intensely about what is best for his community. And in this work, as he’s discovered contradictions and Catch-22’s over the years, Leo has consistently re-assessed his craft, how he carries himself, and what it means to be “a tree with onion roots.” We know you’ll enjoy getting to know Leo in this week’s episode. (1:30) Ashanti's introduction. (10:55) Leo introduces himself, his work as a musical artist, and his drive to do good community work in Oakland. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on Leo’s on-stage appearance with President Obama. (16:15) Leo shares the front of his mask - blind strength, creative abilities, a tree with onion roots. (18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, dedicated, intense - and how ignorance is not actually bliss. (24:45) Leo shares the back of his mask - numbness, pressure, always talking to myself. He reflects on all of the Catch-22’s and conflicts of interests he sees within his community and within himself. (30:50) Ashanti shares a drawing created by students during his visit to Yuma, Arizona. Check out the video podcast on the Branch Speaks Youtube Channel. (37:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - not enough, worry, my brother’s mental health. (45:20) Ashanti and Leo sit with the phrase, “I am not the enemy,” and how this phrase has particular significance as it relates to their gender and the color of their skin. (57:30) Leo shares his current projects and how you can get in touch with him. --- Connect with Leo Mercer: Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood --- Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at [email protected] --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch Website: branchspeaks.com --- Send in a voice message: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message --- Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: instagram.com/everforward Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
What this episode covers
“I was raised in a violent environment, so, as much as I want to be positive, it’s just satisfying to do some of that petty stuff. As much as I don’t want to, as much as I’m like, ‘I can’t- that’s ratchet- whoo wham,’ like, that’s me. That’s how I grew up... There is a lot of pressure to be a positive person.” Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Leo Mercer. As an Oakland native, Leo has been running creative campaigns and executing community organizing work in Oakland since 2009. Leo has a full, empathetic heart, and he’s always thinking intensely about what is best for his community. And in this work, as he’s discovered contradictions and Catch-22’s over the years, Leo has consistently re-assessed his craft, how he carries himself, and what it means to be “a tree with onion roots.” We know you’ll enjoy getting to know Leo in this week’s episode. (1:30) Ashanti's introduction. (10:55) Leo introduces himself, his work as a musical artist, and his drive to do good community work in Oakland. Then, he and Ashanti reflect on Leo’s on-stage appearance with President Obama. (16:15) Leo shares the front of his mask - blind strength, creative abilities, a tree with onion roots. (18:00) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - caring, dedicated, intense - and how ignorance is not actually bliss. (24:45) Leo shares the back of his mask - numbness, pressure, always talking to myself. He reflects on all of the Catch-22’s and conflicts of interests he sees within his community and within himself. (30:50) Ashanti shares a drawing created by students during his visit to Yuma, Arizona. Check out the video podcast on the Branch Speaks Youtube Channel. (37:40) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - not enough, worry, my brother’s mental health. (45:20) Ashanti and Leo sit with the phrase, “I am not the enemy,” and how this phrase has particular significance as it relates to their gender and the color of their skin. (57:30) Leo shares his current projects and how you can get in touch with him. --- Connect with Leo Mercer: Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood --- Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org If you are interested in being on the Face to Face podcast, email us at [email protected] --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch Website: branchspeaks.com --- Send in a voice message: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message --- Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: instagram.com/everforward Facebook: facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club
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E82. A Tree with Onion Roots - with Leo Mercer, Creative, Thought Leader, & Raptivist
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