In this powerful episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are joined by Martae Brown—a Northeast Portland native, Jefferson High School alumnus, former professional athlete, and current educator and restorative justice advocate.

Titled "Love Letters to the Hood," this conversation is a deep dive into the authenticity and history of Black Portland. Martae shares his journey from "mobbing" to the corner store with the homies to becoming the "Allen Iverson of education," disrupting the school system and speaking at Harvard University. He reflects on growing up in the mid-90s during the height of gang culture, overcoming the "double dutch" of street life and school, and the pivotal role a strong mother and a dedicated village played in his success.

Martae gets real about the challenges of being a Black man in education, overcoming early childhood loss, and the importance of "epigenetics"—the feeling that you are a living representation of your ancestors' strength and struggle. This episode is an inspiring testament to grit, resilience, and showing up as your 100% authentic self.

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