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.
Episode Time Breakdown:
[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 4
[01:30] Meet Martae Brown: Northeast Portland Legend and Jeff Alum
[02:26] What "The Hood" Represents: Authenticity and Black History
[03:40] From Northeast to Harvard: The Journey of a Hood Psychologist
[05:42] The Power of a Push: How Mentors Changed Martae’s Relationship with School
[07:10] Behavior is Communication: Apologizing to the Math Teacher
[09:47] Childhood Memories: KC Foodmart, 99-cent Arizonas, and Walking the Quad
[12:17] Backstreets and Alleys: The Survival Lessons of Portland’s Neighborhoods
[13:16] Overcoming Loss: Speaking at Rob Ingram’s Funeral at 15
[16:05] The Challenges of an Educator: Addressing Implicit Bias in the Classroom
[17:20] "Are you the new Custodian?": Breaking Stigmas in the School System
[21:09] Overcoming the Narrative: Why we don’t have to "Come from the Mud" to be Great
[24:50] College Football and Activism: Raising a Fist in North Dakota
[27:52] Humble Beginnings: Air Mattresses and Struggle in Arizona
[31:05] Quick From the Hip: Using Comedy (Bernie Mac & Martin) as a Defense Mechanism
[33:50] Subtle Flexes: Sitting with Ice Cube, Gary Payton, and T-Grizzly
[35:21] Regrets and Night School: Threatening the Teacher and Saving the Senior Year
[38:15] The Phone Call: How Mom Advocated for Her Oldest Son
[41:30] Marriage and Fatherhood: Being a Girl Dad in a House Full of Strong Women
[45:36] The Purpose of a Man: Leaving a Legacy Beyond Transactions
[49:01] Sobriety and Strength: Uplifting the Wife’s Journey and Encouraging Safe Spaces
[53:40] Parenting vs. The Hero Complex: Learning to Slow Down After a Trauma-Filled Workday
[57:25] Finding Joy in the Stillness: Kirk Franklin’s "Den of Kings" Inspiration
[01:00:44] Brotherhood and Tattoos: God, Goddess, and Dedication
[01:04:44] The Final Word: A Love Letter to the Hood & Epigenetics
[01:07:20] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Aura Vea & Amavea Duo
[01:08:15] Outro: Where to find Martae Brown, Chadowboxx, and Leigh LaRie
️ Season 7 Sponsor Information
Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey.
Product Highlight: Aura Vea Shampoo & Amavea Conditioner (The newest moisturizing duo carefully formulated for curls and scalp health)
Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com
IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx
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Production & Editor
Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com
IG: @BetterDaysWest
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