OUR FOUNDER
Brandon Leake
The Founder and CEO of Called To Move – CTM, Brandon Leake, is an artistic visionary whose roots lie in the ghetto’s of south side Stockton, California. Being born and raised to a single parent household with his mother, Carla Leake-Gibson, Brandon was accustomed to the complexities of playing this game of life with the decks stacked against you. However, with a strong home life and some divine intervention Brandon made it out of his neighborhood ghetto into a college classroom. This journey came with its many trials from the loss of integral members of his family and abusive home life, but these trails mixed with this spiritual collegiate journey would soon blossom into a beautiful poetic journey. In 2012 Brandon started Called To Move – CTM at Simpson University with a small group of artists just trying to share their gifts and encourage others to do so, which has lead its way into inspiring others through poetry all across the country. Brandon Leake released a debut album entitled, “In My Thoughts”, which lead him to traveling from Los Angeles to New York and everywhere in between for a year and a half performing his pieces, leading spoken word poetry workshops, and keynote speaking.
Keynote Speaker | Spoken Word Poet | Artistic Educator
Performance History
Nyack University
Simpson University
University of the Pacific
Chico State University
Stanislaus State University
BIOLA University
Delta College
Coastline Community College
Sacramento City College
Modesto Junior College
Shasta College
Edison High School
Chester High School
Lincoln High School
Foothill High School
Mable Baron Elementary School
John Adams Elementary School
San Joaquin Elementary
All America City Conference
BLOCK Conference
REACH Conference
District Youth Conference
REMIIX Conference
STOP the Violence Conference
TRU HOPE Youth Summit
UBSUC Conference
Regional BSU Conference
Youth Equity and Empowerment Conference
Boys To Men Conference
Sac City Talks Conference
2 22 Conference
God Rockz Conference
Northern California Entertainment Music Awards
Black Music Awards: Sacramento
Good Day Sacramento Performance
Bob Hope Theater: Lecrae
A Night of Worship: J Givens
Revive: Sean C Johnson
BLOCK Conference: Dee-1
National Poetry Slam: Oakland
Berkeley Poetry Slam
Sacramento Poetry Slam
Humbolt Poetry Slam
Santa Cruz Poetry Slam
Oakland Poetry Slam
Queen Bean Poetry Slam
Walk Against Suicide: Redding
What People Are Saying
“When Brandon first took the stage on AGT, I was very skeptical. I didn’t know a lot about poetry at that time. But as Brandon spoke his first words I realized how interesting and meaningful talking could be. The more I heard, the more I was intrigued by everything he said. I would say it gave me a whole new perspective on the life I live today.”
“As someone who has always been moved by poetry I was really excited to see someone competing on AGT who is a spoken word artist. I can’t express how many tears I shed during your every performance, how much I found myself in every piece.
The one that stood out was the first one, as I have a younger sister, and have felt your sorrow so deeply... Thank you for spreading your talent worldwide! I am so grateful to have stumbled across your magnificent gift.”
“I have always loved, and appreciated the art of poetry. When I first saw Brandon on
AGT, I was so excited that someone finally came through with the most underrated art & hitting Every! Single! Word! I was in complete awe of that moment. I am thankful for Brandon’s existence.”
“Every time I’ve watched Brandon it brought tears to my eyes because I couldn’t not relate to them. I’m not good with words as Brandon is but he definitely made me like his poems because they are inspired in his own life and now, more then ever they mean a lot. I really want to say thank you for his words that really touch me many many times.”
“Brandon left me speechless. I was in awe of the impact his words had on me. Brandon captivated me and made me feel what it’s like to see the world from someone else’s point of view. He made me cry and feel joy. I’m inspired by how powerful words are.”
“Brandon’s powerful poetry motivated me to be more passionate for my craft which I wasn’t in the past. His expressions are very eloquent and powerful that changed my perception of things. Besides that, he is an amazing human being who cares for everyone and is very optimistic.”
“Before Brandon I never considered poetry as this beautiful weapon to make our voices heard. Pookie, made me understand several things: The eternal love of a mother for her son, the fear of black people of just being born in that skin, the reality of minorities & the sadness of America.”