In this touching podcast episode, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with artist Omari Booker for a heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, family influence, and the challenges they both faced during their education. Omari candidly shares his experiences growing up as a black boy in a racially biased environment and attending various schools. He also reflects on the impact of his parents' divorce during his adulthood. Omari takes the listeners on his inspiring journey of art and redemption. He opens up about attending a prestigious private school as one of the few black students and finding his voice amidst challenges. His battle with bipolar disorder and encounters with the criminal justice system are also discussed. Omari shares how he turned to art as a form of healing and self-expression after quitting drugs and alcohol. His art exhibition, "Fifteen," holds a deep meaning, marking the 15-year prison sentence he faced. Through his story, Omari beautifully highlights the transformative power of art and its role in finding solace and freedom.  

Highlights: 

⭐️ Omari shares his background, growing up with parents who immigrated to the United States, and the challenges they faced as immigrants. 

⭐️ Omari discuss the impact of his parents' divorce and how it shaped their views on relationships and love. 

⭐️ Omari talks about the treatment he received in predominantly white schools, leading to multiple school changes due to racial bias. 

⭐️ The duo emphasize the importance of recognizing the historical context of their parents' generation and understanding their upbringing. 

⭐️ Reggie reflects on the speech he gave at their shared alma mater, Montgomery Bell Academy, addressing the challenges faced by minority students. 

⭐️ Omari's discusses his experience as one of the few black students in a prestigious private school. 

⭐️ Reggie and Omari discuss navigating the duality of living in two different worlds. 

⭐️ Omari helps us understand bipolar disorder and its impact on mental health. 

⭐️ Omari discusses quitting alcohol and drugs as a means to embracing a healthier lifestyle. 

⭐️ We learn of the transformative power of art and its role in Omari's healing journey 

⭐️ Omari reflects on his 15-year prison sentence and finding redemption through art. 

⭐️ Omari reflects on the role of art in his life and how it helped him find freedom even in the confines of a prison cell. 

⭐️ Omari emphasizes the power of vulnerability in artistic expression and how honesty connects with audiences on a deeper level. 

⭐️ We learn about the significance of community and its ability to support and uplift individuals in challenging circumstances. 

⭐️ Omari discusses the symbolism of a black bird in Omari's artwork and its connection to finding hope in the midst of adversity.  

📲 Connect with Reggie 

IG - https://instagram.com/reggiedford 

FB - https://facebook.com/reggiedford 

LI - https://linkedin.com/in/reggiedford 

X - https://twitter.com/reggiedford 

YT - https://youtube.com/@reggiedford 

Website - https://reggiedford.com 

Book - https://amzn.to/487OqJD 

Podcast - https://reggiedford.com/vulnerabilitymuscle 

Podcast’s IG - https://instagram.com/vulnerabilitymuscle 

Podcast’s FB - https://www.facebook.com/vulnerabilitymuscle  

📲 Connect with Omari 

OmariBooker.com 

@OmariBooker on Instagram, Facebook, and all platforms   

😮‍💨 Calmigo Device 

https://calmigo.com/ (use code reggie444 for $30 off )