#takingoffthemask
We perform for the world all day just to survive it.
Behind closed doors, the mask comes off—and what’s left is exhaustion.
Not everyone is “fine,” they’re just practiced.

#survivingeveryday #exhaustedlife #performingfortheworld #behindcloseddoors #takingoffthemask
January 3, 2026 at 8:42 AM
Growing up, I learned boys weren’t supposed to cry.

We were told to “man up,” so I hid my real feelings.

Now, through The Ever Forward Club, we help young men take off the mask and be real because #TakingOffTheMask isn’t weakness, it’s courage.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "Growing up, I learned early that boys weren’t supposed to cry. We were told to “be tough,” “be cool,” “man up.” So I learned by force (social pressure) to hide everything that didn’t fit that image: sadne
11 likes, 2 comments - branchspeaks on October 29, 2025: "Growing up, I learned early that boys weren’t supposed to cry. We were told to “be tough,” “be cool,” “man up.” So I learned by force (social pressure) to hide everything that didn’t fit that image: sadness, fear, and sometime...
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November 5, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Schools should be safe for honest feelings. Young men are waiting for spaces where they can stop performing and feel seen.

One adult saying, “I see you. You are not alone,” can change everything.

#TakingOffTheMask #EverForward
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "What if schools were safe for HONEST FEELINGS? Many young men don’t want to hide who they really are. They're just waiting for a space to STOP performing and be SAFE enough for #TakingOffTheMask All it takes is one...
10 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on May 13, 2026: "What if schools were safe for HONEST FEELINGS? Many young men don’t want to hide who they really are. They're just waiting for a space to STOP performing and be SAFE enough for #TakingOffTheMask All it takes is one adult willing to say "I see y...
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May 20, 2026 at 2:04 PM
@EverForwardClub attended the Fresno Youth Transformation Conference, collecting artistic masks from Roosevelt High students and #MillionMaskMovement emotional masks.

Proud of these students for #TakingOffTheMask and growing in self-awareness and community.
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "@EverForwardClub attended the Fresno Youth Transformation Conference, where we collected both artistic masks made by art students at Roosevelt High School and #MillionMaskMovement emotional masks 🎭 We are proud of...
7 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on March 19, 2026: "@EverForwardClub attended the Fresno Youth Transformation Conference, where we collected both artistic masks made by art students at Roosevelt High School and #MillionMaskMovement emotional masks 🎭 We are proud of these students for #TakingOf...
f.mtr.cool
March 26, 2026 at 3:04 PM
January 1, 2026 at 3:04 PM
If a young man says he’s “fine” but you feel something deeper, trust that instinct.

When we slow down, ask real questions, and create safe spaces, they finally open up.

That’s where growth begins.
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#TakingOffTheMask Tuesday If you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or advocate who cares about the young men in your life, have you ever met a student who said they are doing fine, but you sense something is going on?...
29 likes, 1 comments - branchspeaks on November 18, 2025: "#TakingOffTheMask Tuesday If you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or advocate who cares about the young men in your life, have you ever met a student who said they are doing fine, but you sense something is going on? They joke around, get the...
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November 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM
In 2018 at the @ArtofLiving Ashram in Bangalore, I led the #TakingOffTheMask activity—helping people reveal what they show the world and what they hide. It’s not about weakness. It’s about being real. 💫

👉
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "In 2018, at the @ArtofLiving Ashram in Bangalore, India, when I led the #TakingOffTheMask activity, I explained what the front and back of the mask symbolize and how it helps thousands of people express their...
The Million Mask Movement aims to inspire individuals to be their authentic selves by shedding the masks that hide their true nature. By exploring the concepts of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and inner strength, this movement encourages people to break free from the fears and insecurities that ho...
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November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
In 2018 at the @ArtofLiving Ashram in Bangalore, I led the #TakingOffTheMask activity—helping people reveal what they show the world and what they hide. It’s not about weakness. It’s about being real. 💫

👉
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "In 2018, at the @ArtofLiving Ashram in Bangalore, India, when I led the #TakingOffTheMask activity, I explained what the front and back of the mask symbolize and how it helps thousands of people express their...
The Million Mask Movement aims to inspire individuals to be their authentic selves by shedding the masks that hide their true nature. By exploring the concepts of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and inner strength, this movement encourages people to break free from the fears and insecurities that ho...
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November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We All Wear Masks, but what happens when we take them off?

This song, “Take Off the Mask,” is an anthem for every young man who is trying to show up as their authentic selves but has been told to “man up” when what he really needed was space to be real.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#TakingoffTheMask : The Song by @EverForwardClub #MaskOffMonday We All Wear Masks, But what happens when we take them off? This song “Take Off the Mask” is an anthem for every young man who is trying to show up as...
The Million Mask Movement is a global art-based initiative that encourages self-reflection and authenticity. Through powerful music and storytelling, Ever Forward Club empowers young men to break free from societal expectations and show up as their true selves. Join the movement and be part of a com...
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October 27, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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...
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October 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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...
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September 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
#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.
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September 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM
In our #TakingOffTheMask workshop, I go first, showing real emotions, even the hard ones.

It’s about creating a safe space for authenticity and modeling unMASKing Healthy Relationships.

Watch here:
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "unMASKing Healthy Relationships In our signature #TakingOffTheMask workshop, my goal is to invite the audience to be as authentic as possible and to let them know that I am on this journey with them. I am attempting...
15 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on September 10, 2025: "unMASKing Healthy Relationships In our signature #TakingOffTheMask workshop, my goal is to invite the audience to be as authentic as possible and to let them know that I am on this journey with them. I am attempting to create a safe space f...
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September 17, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Back at San Lorenzo High, where @EverForwardClub began and was featured in The Mask You Live In, we led a #TakingOffTheMask workshop.

Students carry heavy loads. Our role isn’t just to teach but to create space where they feel safe, seen and heard.
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "When we returned to San Lorenzo High School, where @EverForwardClub began and where our work was featured in the documentary The Mask You Live In by @missrepresentation for a #TakingOffTheMask workshop. One young...
41 likes, 4 comments - branchspeaks on September 7, 2025: "When we returned to San Lorenzo High School, where @EverForwardClub began and where our work was featured in the documentary The Mask You Live In by @missrepresentation for a #TakingOffTheMask workshop. One young man’s mask read on the fro...
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September 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
When I lead a #TakingOffTheMask workshop, I show up as my most authentic self.

Sometimes that means I cry, and that’s okay. Authenticity gives others permission to be real, too.

Imagine the impact on your students, staff, and community.

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "When I lead a #TakingOffTheMask workshop, my goal is to show up as my most authentic self. Sometimes that means you’ll see me cry. And that’s okay. Because when we make space for authenticity, we give others...
25 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on September 2, 2025: "When I lead a #TakingOffTheMask workshop, my goal is to show up as my most authentic self. Sometimes that means you’ll see me cry. And that’s okay. Because when we make space for authenticity, we give others permission to be real too. Im...
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September 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
"The longest distance most people travel is 18 inches—from head 🧠 to heart 💚."

In Ep.194 of #TakingOffTheMask, I shared with @thedailyblair how our workshops guide this journey.

Are you on it too?

#SpeakerSpotlight
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#SpeakerSpotlight In Episode 194 of the #TakingOffTheMask podcast, I shared a quote with @thedailyblair that we use in our work and has always stayed with me: “the longest distance most people travel is the 18 inches..
16 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on August 26, 2025: "#SpeakerSpotlight In Episode 194 of the #TakingOffTheMask podcast, I shared a quote with @thedailyblair that we use in our work and has always stayed with me: “the longest distance most people travel is the 18 inches between their head and t...
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September 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
#ThrowbackThursday to Ep. 194 of #TakingOffTheMask with Blair Daly @thedailyblair

We talked about masks, truth, and the power of being seen.

Our boys need champions—lifting them up to thrive + lead.

That’s what Advocates for Young Men is all about 

Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#ThrowbackThursday to May 2024 and Episode 194 of the #TakingOffTheMask podcast with Blair Daly @thedailyblair, founder of the Washington Initiative for Boys and Men @waboysmen We talked about the masks we all wear,...
25 likes, 4 comments - branchspeaks on August 14, 2025: "#ThrowbackThursday to May 2024 and Episode 194 of the #TakingOffTheMask podcast with Blair Daly @thedailyblair, founder of the Washington Initiative for Boys and Men @waboysmen We talked about the masks we all wear, the truths we hide, and how...
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August 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Change begins when the pain of change feels lighter than staying the same.

At De La Salle HS, Alberto showed young men how authenticity and vulnerability create real connection.

Watch here:
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#TakingOffTheMask Tuesday. Life change begins when we decide that we are ready to make things different and when we realize that the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same. Listen to Alberto share...
14 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on August 12, 2025: "#TakingOffTheMask Tuesday. Life change begins when we decide that we are ready to make things different and when we realize that the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same. Listen to Alberto share part of his story as he crea...
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August 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
#FlashbackFriday to April 2024 at Valley Oak High @valleyoakhs. Learned after our #TakingOffTheMask workshop that Luis from The Mask You Live In went here—powerful moment. Final of 5 in Napa @nvusd, thanks to @cfnlp & Behavioral Health. 🙏
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#FlashbackFriday to April 2024 Valley Oak High School @valleyoakhs. A wall that reads “Everything is connected,” and a moment that reminded me just how true that is. I had no idea until after our #TakingOffTheMask...
17 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on August 8, 2025: "#FlashbackFriday to April 2024 Valley Oak High School @valleyoakhs. A wall that reads “Everything is connected,” and a moment that reminded me just how true that is. I had no idea until after our #TakingOffTheMask workshop that Luis, featur...
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August 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
At Seton Hall, our #TakingOffTheMask workshop gave young men space to name what they usually hide—fear, pressure, insecurity.

They walked away lighter, more seen.

This is more than a workshop.

It’s a reset.
Ashanti Branch on Instagram: "#WorkshopHighlights This Mental Health Awareness Month, we brought the work to real people in a real space—Seton Hall University @setonhall At @everforwardclub, we’re not just talking about mental health. We’re...
17 likes, 0 comments - branchspeaks on July 29, 2025: "#WorkshopHighlights This Mental Health Awareness Month, we brought the work to real people in a real space—Seton Hall University @setonhall At @everforwardclub, we’re not just talking about mental health. We’re building safe spaces where y...
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August 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Our kids need a safe space to unpack—so do we as parents. 💙

Joy, a mom of twin teens, shares her reflection from the @everforwardclub #TakingOffTheMask workshop.

Let’s build spaces where our youth & we as parents can thrive.

🎥 Watch:
Helping Teens Feel Safe and Supported
Our kids need a safe space to unpack—so do we as parents.Joy, a mom of twin teenage boys, shares her powerful reflection on parenting in today's fast-paced, ...
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March 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM