“We’re trying to make being a teacher sexy again. You know, I can’t even say ‘again’ because I don’t know if it was ever sexy. But we got to make it sexy.” - Jason Muhammad

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Brother Jason Muhammad. Jason teaches middle school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. And the fact that Jason isn’t fixated on labels and boundaries means that he doesn’t think of himself as an employee of his school - he thinks of himself as an employee of his community. And he applies that mindset to other things. For example, as a card-carrying member of the Nation of Islam, he’s still not above criticizing the hypocrisy of organized religion. It’s interesting how boundaries, labels, and language affect all aspects of our lives, and we’re excited for you to learn about how it affects Jason’s.

(2:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(7:40) Jason introduces himself, his work, his family, and his passion for community work.

(12:20) Jason and Ashanti make their masks together and, as fellow educators, discuss what they observe in schools.

(18:50) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - passionate/intense, dedicated, creative - and observes some of his “old programming.”

(21:35) Jason shares the front of his mask - joy/jubilance, community, therapy - and how he destigmatizes going to therapy.

(28:15) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - self-doubt, worry, sadness re: brother.

(32:10) Jason shares the back of his mask - anger, insecurities, my faith - and he and Ashanti both tell some stories about their faith.

(45:00) Then, they discuss how we might build understanding amongst different religions and different individuals.

(47:20) Jason shares a message to parents, students, and educators as the school year approaches.

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Connect with Jason Muhammad:

Podcast: instagram.com/epndpodcast

Jason’s friend, Amil: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Twitter: twitter.com/jsunkm

Instagram: instagram.com/jsunkm

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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

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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Send in a voice message:

anchor.fm/branch-speaks/message

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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