Author | Lightnews

BranchSpeaks

BranchSpeaks

@branchspeaks.bsky.social

10 followers 4 following 160 posts

Educator. Speaker. Emotional Locksmith. Founder of @EverForwardClub & #MillionMaskMovement. Transforming youth mental health & education. 2023 US Surgeon General’s Medallion Recipient. 🌍

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 8h

When I started teaching, I thought my job was just to help students pass math.

But they needed more than grades—they needed space to talk about life. That’s how the @EverForwardClub began: a safe place for young men to be seen, heard, and supported.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "When I started teaching, I thought my job was just to help students pass math. But it didn’t take long to see they needed more than equations and grades. They needed space to talk about life. About what was really...

Join the movement and learn how the Ever Forward Club is breaking barriers and empowering young men to reach their full potential.

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 1d

Middle school boys are told to “man up” before they’re even understood.

What if they heard: “You are enough. You belong. You can ask for help. I see greatness in you.”

These words plant seeds of strength, empathy, and purpose.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Middle School boys are growing up in a world that tests their hearts before it even understands them. (This actually starts earlier than middle school) They are told to “man up,” to “suck it up,” and to hold it a

41 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on October 18, 2025: "Middle School boys are growing up in a world that tests their hearts before it even understands them. (This actually starts earlier than middle school) They are told to “man up,” to “suck it up,” and to hold it all in without letting ...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 4d

Our boys are told: Don’t feel, don’t care, just get money, muscles, women.

If they fail, someone sells them “manhood.”

What they need are mentors, teachers, and men who lead with heart, honesty & courage!

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Our boys are growing up in a world where “influencers” are screaming at them: Don’t feel. Don’t care. Just get money, muscles, and women. And if they don’t measure up? Someone is ready to sell them the answer f

In a world where young men are constantly bombarded with toxic messages, Advocates for Young Men aims to show them a different path. By promoting heart, honesty, and courage, we're building a community that encourages young men to be their authentic selves. Join us in our mission to raise a generati...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 6d

Men leading with heart and honesty show the next generation it’s okay to feel and be real.

These clips remind me what positive masculinity looks like: being present, authentic, and courageous.

Watch here:

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "What does #PositiveMasculinityMonday mean to me? Men of all ages leading with heart, honesty, and vulnerability, and showing the next generation that men experience and feel just as much as anyone else, but often our...

17 likes, 5 comments - branchspeaks on October 13, 2025: "What does #PositiveMasculinityMonday mean to me? Men of all ages leading with heart, honesty, and vulnerability, and showing the next generation that men experience and feel just as much as anyone else, but often our upbringing or communities...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 7d

What’s one thing you’ll never forget about your favorite teacher?

For me, it wasn’t formulas or essays; it was how they made me feel seen.

They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That’s the magic of a great teacher. ❤️

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#DiaryOfAConfusedEducator What’s that one thing you’ll never forget about your favorite teacher? For me, it wasn’t just about formulas or essays; it was the way they made me feel seen. The way they believed in me..

148 likes, 3 comments - branchspeaks on October 12, 2025: "#DiaryOfAConfusedEducator What’s that one thing you’ll never forget about your favorite teacher? For me, it wasn’t just about formulas or essays; it was the way they made me feel seen. The way they believed in me when I didn’t believ...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 8d

What challenges are young men facing that we’re not talking about?

From being told to “man up” to hiding emotions and wearing masks to fit in—many just long for safe spaces and mentorship.
When we name these truths, healing begins.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "What are the challenges that young men in your life or in your community are facing that are not being discussed? From being told to “man up” before they’re ready, to hiding emotions because vulnerability feels...

57 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on October 11, 2025: "What are the challenges that young men in your life or in your community are facing that are not being discussed? From being told to “man up” before they’re ready, to hiding emotions because vulnerability feels unsafe, to wearing masks ...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 9d

Do you protect others’ emotions but ignore your own?

Many students and teachers wear masks, hiding pain behind “I’m fine.”

When masks clash, connection breaks, and learning suffers.

That’s why I wrote Diary of a Confused Educator. 💭

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#TeacherTipFriday: Do you protect other people’s emotions while ignore your own? I once told a teacher, “You make me sick!” You can Imagine that situation did not end well for me. That’s the reality some students

In this thought-provoking video, Ashanti Branch shares her personal journey of discovering that teaching is not just about equations on the board, but about unlocking the human being behind the mask. She reveals how teachers can break the cycle of hidden emotions and connect with their students on a...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 10d

Ever asked yourself, “How did I get here?”

Sometimes we walk there, sometimes life puts us there.

The power lies in choosing a new path.

Help your community unMASK healthy relationships—bring the #TakingOffTheMask workshop to your school.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: ""Have you ever asked yourself, 'How Did I Get Here?” Sometimes we walked there, sometimes we were brought there, and sometimes life’s circumstances just placed us there. In Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Dr. Seuss says,

In this inspiring video, we delve into the timeless wisdom of Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! and explore how we can apply its lessons to our own lives. From making conscious choices to developing resilience, we'll discuss the importance of being true to oneself and creating a supportive commu...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 11d

Every young man matters, even the ones we’ve only met a few times or not yet at all.

At @everforwardclub, we’re creating spaces where boys can take off their masks and be supported.

Join us in showing up for them 💪

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "“Every young man who crosses our path matters. Even the ones we’ve only met three times. Even the ones who haven’t yet found us.” At the @everforwardclub, we’re building safe spaces where boys and young men can

13 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on October 8, 2025: "“Every young man who crosses our path matters. Even the ones we’ve only met three times. Even the ones who haven’t yet found us.” At the @everforwardclub, we’re building safe spaces where boys and young men can take off their masks, ...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 12d

These statistics are devastating.

When the numbers skew this far for boys, we have to interrogate our country's relationship with masculinity.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "These statistics are devastating. When the numbers skew this far for boys, we have to interrogate our country's relationship with masculinity. For more thoughts: Episode 42 of UnMASKing with Male Educators is on...

Join Ashanti Branch on UnMASKing with Male Educators, Episode 42, as he explores the statistics behind the alarming number of young men affected by incarceration, deaths due to violent crimes, and the need for education and mentorship in breaking down toxic masculinity.

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 13d

#MaskOffMonday 🎭

What Monday mask are you wearing today?

We all wear masks, not just for protection but to fit in, to seem like we’ve got it all together. A student once told me, “I can’t even tell you what I can’t tell you.”

That silence is heavy.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#MaskOffMonday What Monday Morning Mask are you wearing today? We all wear masks.. Not just for Halloween 🎭 🎃 or the personal Protection masks 😷 we wore during COVID-19, but the ones that hide our real selves. T

In this thought-provoking series, we delve into the concept of masks and how they impact our daily lives. From the masks we wear to fit in to the ones that hide our true emotions, we explore the complexities of identity and self-expression. Join the #MillionMaskMovement and discover a world where yo...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 14d

Behind many smiles in the classroom are teachers fighting quiet battles—showing up for students, standing strong despite burnout, low pay, and high expectations. Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s heart work. 💛

Which struggle hits home most?
🎥

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#DiaryOfAConfusedEducator Which of these 5 struggles do you feel is most important? Which struggles in schools need to be added to the list? Behind many smiles in the classroom are teachers fighting quiet battles....

49 likes, 1 comments - branchspeaks on October 5, 2025: "#DiaryOfAConfusedEducator Which of these 5 struggles do you feel is most important? Which struggles in schools need to be added to the list? Behind many smiles in the classroom are teachers fighting quiet battles. They show up for their studen...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 16d

Every young man has brilliance inside him. Some shine in math, others in art or in ways schools don’t grade.

All deserve to be seen.

Let’s build spaces where boys feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Join the Advocates for Young Men on Skool.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#TeacherTipFriday Every young man has brilliance inside him. Some shine in math or writing, others in building, or art, but others shine in things that schools do not grade. ALL deserve to be seen. Here’s what we...

20 likes, 3 comments - branchspeaks on October 3, 2025: "#TeacherTipFriday Every young man has brilliance inside him. Some shine in math or writing, others in building, or art, but others shine in things that schools do not grade. ALL deserve to be seen. Here’s what we know: ✔️ Strong relation...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 17d

I shared a moment from a Young Men’s Health Group in Oakland—one student came back from lunch “zoned out” from substances.

I told the class: “Come in with a clear head.” It’s about being present & showing better ways to cope.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#ThrowbackThursday to a podcast I did in 2023, sharing a moment that stuck with me. I was delivering a Young Men’s Health Group to a group of Students in Oakland and during the first session. One of the students came..

6 likes, 1 comments - branchspeaks on October 2, 2025: "#ThrowbackThursday to a podcast I did in 2023, sharing a moment that stuck with me. I was delivering a Young Men’s Health Group to a group of Students in Oakland and during the first session. One of the students came back from lunch, head dow...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 18d

Ever said “I’m fine” when you weren’t?

That’s an Emotional Mask. The #MillionMaskMovement reminds us we’re not alone and encourages building a circle ⭕️ of trusted people to be authentic.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Have you ever said “I’m good” or “I’m FINE” when you really weren’t? If yes, you know what we mean by wearing an Emotional Mask. Most people can resonate with the idea of wearing masks to protect our true f

10 likes, 3 comments - branchspeaks on October 1, 2025: "Have you ever said “I’m good” or “I’m FINE” when you really weren’t? If yes, you know what we mean by wearing an Emotional Mask. Most people can resonate with the idea of wearing masks to protect our true feelings. But real conne...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 23d

THIS is the be-all end-all when it comes to good teaching.

❗Check it out: Episode 41 of UnMASKing with Male Educators, with Edson Andrade, is on @applepodcasts @spotify and @youtube

THIS is the be-all end-all when it comes to good teaching.

❗Check it out: Episode 41 of UnMASKing with Male Educators, with Edson Andrade, is on @applepodcasts @spotify and @youtubeyoutube.com/@branchspeaks and Link ...

www.youtube.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 24d

Life comes with barriers, but they don’t have to block your future.

At @everforwardclub, we help young people uncover the solutions already within them.

Watch stories of resilience and possibility:

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#ThrowbackThursday Life is a mix of barriers, opportunities, and challenges. Sometimes, those barriers feel so big that they block our view of the possibilities ahead. But what if we could take a peek around them?...

Join the Ever Forward Club in exploring stories of resilience and overcoming challenges. Discover how to name barriers, create strategies to move forward, and build a brighter future for young men.

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 25d

Heard the stereotypes about engineers?

I lived them—money, parties, travel—but no real talks about feelings.

As an educator, I saw young men hiding behind masks.

Now I’m building Advocates for Young Men. Join the movement:

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Can you name some of the stereotypes you have heard about engineers? There are several of them that exist. When I graduated from college as an engineer, I made big money, I went to happy hours, I partied, I traveled,...

Discover how traditional engineering culture can stifle emotional expression and explore the benefits of creating a safe space for young men to discuss their feelings and struggles. Learn how to break down stereotypes and cultivate authenticity in your own life and community.

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 26d

Every student carries a story behind the mask they wear.

Our #TakingOffTheMask workshops guide them from head to heart, reminding them #ThereIsMoreToYou + #YouAreNotAlone.

Don’t wait for a crisis—create brave spaces where students feel seen + valued.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#WorkshopSpotlight Every student and adult carries a story behind the mask they wear. “The Longest Distance that most people travel is the 18-inches between their head and their heart.” Our #TakingOffTheMask and...

24 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on September 23, 2025: "#WorkshopSpotlight Every student and adult carries a story behind the mask they wear. “The Longest Distance that most people travel is the 18-inches between their head and their heart.” Our #TakingOffTheMask and unMASKing Healthy Relati...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 27d

#MaskOffMonday takes us to Mexico! In 2022, we made masks with families in Mexico City’s #Zocalo.

Fast forward to 2025, Valentín Muñoz @valentinmunoz820 created masks with 190+ students—reminding us there’s more to us than meets the eye.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#MaskOffMonday takes us to Mexico! The #MillionMaskMovement held a pop-up in Mexico City in December of 2022, we made masks with families, students and people in the #zocalo and it was a fulfilling experience. Fast...

The Million Mask Movement is a global initiative that aims to bring people together through art, self-expression, and connection. In this heartwarming video, we follow the movement's journey in Mexico City, where locals create masks that represent their true selves. Explore the themes of empathy, em...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · 29d

Have you ever wished the young man in your life would grow up whole, not hardened?

Too often boys are told to “man up” before they’re ready.

These 7 Rules remind us: they don’t need to be perfect, just present.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Have you ever looked at a young man in your life and thought… “I just want him to grow up whole, not hardened”? The truth is, too many boys are told to “man up” before they’re ready, to hide their feelings, l

100 likes, 6 comments - branchspeaks on September 20, 2025: "Have you ever looked at a young man in your life and thought… “I just want him to grow up whole, not hardened”? The truth is, too many boys are told to “man up” before they’re ready, to hide their feelings, lower their standard...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · Sep 25

In 2004, I saw too many young men failing, not for lack of brilliance but lack of care. That moment birthed @everforwardclub. Today, we invite you to join us in building safe spaces for boys to be real.

Connection. Care. Community.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Q: Do you want to know the solution to the crisis we see young men and boys experiencing today? A: Connection, Care, and Community In 2004, I saw half of my young Black & Latino male students failing. Not because...

In this video, Ever Forward Club's founder shares the story behind the creation of the Advocates for Young Men Community, a space where young men can connect, share their experiences, and develop essential life skills. With a focus on social-emotional learning and youth mentorship, the community aim...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · Sep 24

There’s more to you than anyone can see.

We all wear masks: funny, cool, happy, smart.

But behind them is the real story.

The #MillionMaskMovement shows we’re not alone.Make a mask with someone you love today. 💜

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "There Is More To You than anyone can see! We all wear masks. What is the #MillionMaskMovement ? The ones we show the world—funny, happy, cool, smart—are easy to see. But behind the mask? That’s where the real story

10 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on September 17, 2025: "There Is More To You than anyone can see! We all wear masks. What is the #MillionMaskMovement ? The ones we show the world—funny, happy, cool, smart—are easy to see. But behind the mask? That’s where the real story is. Too often, we t...

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · Sep 22

#PositiveMasculinityMonday looks different for everyone:

1️⃣ #TakingOffTheMask
2️⃣ Respecting others
3️⃣ Apologizing to break cycles
4️⃣ Loving your dad
5️⃣ Brotherhood as connection
6️⃣ Boys growing too fast

Let’s give young men space to be fully human 🌱

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#PositiveMasculinityMonday It looks different based on how you define it. 1️⃣ #TakingOffTheMask – being real instead of pretending 2️⃣ Learn to Respect – building stronger communities through respect 3️⃣

Join the conversation and help create a more inclusive definition of masculinity. Explore the top 6 lessons for young men, including learning to respect, saying sorry, and building brotherhood.

www.instagram.com

BranchSpeaks @branchspeaks.bsky.social · Sep 20

What mask are you wearing today?

So many of us hide to “fit in”—pressured by social media, family, and ourselves.

Behind every mask is a story.

The #MillionMaskMovement reminds us we’re not alone. 💚

Share yours:

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "What mask are you wearing today? (You can share it anonymously at www.MillionMask.org ) So many of us hide what’s really going on just to “fit in.” Social media adds pressure. Family adds pressure. And often, the..

Join the conversation about the pressure to fit in, and explore the impact of social media, family, and self-doubt on our identities. Discover the Million Mask Movement's mission to help people share their true selves and find connection.

www.instagram.com