Bowen Dwelle
Bowen Dwelle
E15 / Behind the Mask with Ashanti Branch
E15 / Behind the Mask with Ashanti Branch
E15 / Behind the Mask with Ashanti Branch
Monday 6th February 2023
Join Bowen Dwelle and Ashanti Branch as they discuss emotional support, education reform, and youth mental health in this compelling episode.
45 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Bowen Dwelle
Overview:
Categories:
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Sobriety Toolkit
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Episodes:
28 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Unmasking Youth: Ashanti Branch on Emotional Support and Education Reform
There's so much going on behind that mask, you know, and that's our work.
Imagine growing up in a world where showing your true self feels like a risk. In this episode of 'Brothers and Teachers', Bowen Dwelle sits down with Ashanti Branch, a trailblazer in education reform and youth mental health. Raised by a single mother in Oakland, Ashanti's journey from tutoring struggling students to founding The Ever Forward Club is nothing short of inspiring.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping marginalized students graduate high school by providing them with the emotional tools and mental health support they desperately need. With a 100% graduation rate and a 0% incarceration rate among its members, The Ever Forward Club stands as a beacon of hope for many young lives. Ashanti shares heart-wrenching stories of students who felt unseen and unheard, and how his efforts have given them a voice.
He dives into the complexities of trauma and its impact on learning, stressing the importance of emotional support in educational settings. The conversation also touches on societal expectations, especially the pressures faced by young men, and how these can be detrimental to their emotional well-being. But it's not just about statistics and achievements. Ashanti opens up about his own upbringing, revealing how his personal experiences have shaped his approach to education and mental health.
He discusses the concept of 'taking off the mask'—the idea that we all hide parts of ourselves to fit in or avoid judgment. This episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability and empathy are crucial in building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive community. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone interested in youth mental health, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized students and the transformative power of emotional support.
Tune in to hear Ashanti's inspiring journey and learn how we can all contribute to a more compassionate world.