E82. A Tree with Onion Roots - with Leo Mercer, Creative, Thought Leader, & Raptivist

Taking Off The Mask

English - March 29, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB
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Previous Episode: E81. An Ally, A Better Man, A Better Person - with Ray Arata, Founder - Better Man Conference; Author, Coach, & Facilitator

Next Episode: E83. Young People, Deep Connections - with Mohandas Ali Duewa, Student at Latitude High School & EFC Youth Host

“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.

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Connect with Leo Mercer:

Personal Instagram: instagram.com/leo_mercer

Business Instagram: instagram.com/mercerbrotherhood

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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]

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks