“When we can look young people in the eye, and see who they are, and tell them that they matter, and show them a book, and spark their imagination, and be right there… That’s the thing. Going through the experience with them, build up their confidence… Put a battery in their back. They need that. Everybody needs that. That little bird that’s about to jump off the nest, I’m sure the little bird needs a little bit of encouragement from big momma bird, like, ‘You got this, baby.’” - Amil Cook

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Amil Cook. As a Hip-Hop educator and technologist, Amil teaches students and educators how to use their personal and historical narratives to increase self-efficacy, well-being, and capacity through the use of new media and technology. Amil is passionate about unlocking the unlimited potential of youth. He is able to see this potential, in part, because he is aware of his own emotions and, specifically, resentments that he is harboring and processing. We hope you enjoy this episode and enjoy learning how Amil’s masks apply to his talents as an educator.

(1:30) Ashanti’s introduction.

(8:00) Amil and Ashanti look back on their South by Southwest experience. Then, Amil introduces himself, his work, and his mission.

(13:30) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - dedicated, determined, caring - and how he manages the big expectations he has for himself.

(16:30) Amil shares the front of his mask - thoughtful, optimistic, caring - and how positivity moves him into action.

(22:45) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - worry, getting old, fear.

(25:50) Amil shares the back of his mask - resentful, mistrustful, scared - and how he is learning to let go of some of his resentments.

(32:00) Amil and Ashanti observe and analyze certain resentments that can build up in the youth. And they discuss the flip side - all the different types of encouragement we can give kids.

(39:00) Amil shares the level of emotional intelligence he’s observing in the youth in Pittsburgh.

(45:00) Amil looks back on his youth and how he was motivated to enter the world of education. And he shares a story about his work in South Africa.

(51:15) Amil delivers a final message to the youth.

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Connect with Amil Cook:

Social Media and Podcast: linktr.ee/amilcook

BootUp PGH: instagram.com/bootuppgh

Hip Hop Ed: instagram.com/hiphoped

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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