E85. Youth, Heard - with Ashanti Branch

“I don’t come to education as just a teacher. I come to education as a teacher, as an administrator, as a former really bad student, as a former really good student, as a community person, as a man in a body that I identify with - but knew how hard it was to be my full self at school.” - Ashanti Branch In this special episode of Taking Off The Mask, Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch reflects on the organization’s trip to Austin, Texas, to attend South by Southwest. Also, while on the trip, he received some incredible news that he hasn’t been able to share until now… (0:00) Ashanti reflects on his personal attitude towards taking the time to celebrate himself. He explores this attitude as it relates to his childhood. (4:30) Then, Ashanti introduces the video “Youth, Heard” and shares some thoughts on the Ever Forward Club’s trip to South by Southwest, and what it meant for the youth that attended. (6:30) We play the video, “Youth, Heard”. (10:00) Ashanti shares some masks from a recent visit to an elementary school. From the front of their masks - sleepy, cool, annoying; my attitude, personality, look away; fun, happy, super happy; who I am, what I like. From the back of their masks - sad about my dad, missing my mom; my nice self, my heart, who I really am; depression, mad, thinking nothing, sad, mean; my real emotions, the loved ones I’ve lost, my family. (15:30) Ashanti shares the big news and what it means for the Ever Forward Club. (18:00) Then, he shares a reaction video from when he first heard the big news. (21:30) Ashanti takes the time to thank all of the supporters of the Ever Forward Club. (24:00) Then, he tells a story about schools and their priorities, before concluding the episode. --- Watch "Youth, Heard": youtu.be/Exb7gqgG0EY 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