Amari Leach: From Concrete to Color, A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
In an interview earlier this year on "We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper talked with the CEO of Tea With T LLC Amari Leach, who shared his journey from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a passionate advocate for youth and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Leach reflected on the importance of chosen family and the power of self-love. He shared his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, in a single-parent household and the challenges he faced as a child, including being bullied and feeling silenced. Leach emphasized the significance of staying connected to one's inner child as an adult to harness inner strength and story.
A poignant part of the discussion revolved around Leach's experiences as a Black trans man. He bravely spoke about being bullied in middle and high school for his identity and the lack of understanding from adults. Leach recounted his journey as a suicide survivor, sharing how a year in a mental hospital at a young age profoundly changed his life. He also addressed the harmful impact of certain religious interpretations within the Black community regarding mental health and identity.
Leach then detailed the creation of Tea with T LLC, an initiative designed to provide a safe space for youth and parents to communicate and heal. He aims to bridge the generational gap by helping youth navigate trauma and encouraging parents to break generational curses by addressing their own inner child wounds.
Next, Leach touched on community empowerment, with a segment dedicated to the BUILD 206 organization and their efforts to uplift Black men and businesses in Seattle. The video showcased their BUILD the Block Party, highlighting Black vendors, performers, and the creation of a safe space for the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Leach also discussed his involvement with the Lavender Rights Project, an organization that provided him with crucial resources and community after moving to Seattle. He now serves as a project coordinator and lead advocacy team member, continuing to honor and protect his community while also prioritizing his own well-being.
The episode concluded with Leach delivering a powerful call to action for people to prioritize self-love, which he believed will ripple out to create a more loving and united community. He encouraged support for Tea with T through his podcast and merchandise, emphasizing the importance of a liberated future for all.
Check out what Leach and Tea with T is up to on Facebook and other social platforms.
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