Torrence BRANNON-Reese, (Torrè)

Talent, Intelligence, & Commitment

Torrence BRANNON-Reese, who in 2015, earned his (MSW) Master of Social Work from USC, is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Torrence is multi-gifted artist, prolific and proficient as a poet, guitarist, vocalist, composer/song writer, educator and scholar, social justice advocate, youth advocate/mentor, writer, community organizer, radio & tv host, Festival and Concert producer, and voice over artist, and more, yet he is most proud of his role as father.

A Veteran of the United States Air Force where he served in the Philippines, Islands, Mr. BRANNON-Reese would go on to attend Delgado Community College in New Orleans. A move to Los Angeles saw Torrence graduate from Los Angeles Southwest Community College, (where he served as Student Government President & EOP & S student counselor) with an AA in Music & Political Science. Torrence transferred to Cal State Dominguez Hills where he obtained his BA in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on Black History and Communications. While in school, Torrence founded FA-MLI, Inc, (The Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership and Innovation) a now legendary, 501 © (3) nonprofit agency celebrating 30 years of stellar service to communities in Los Angeles and around the world! As referenced above, a return to College in 2015 resulted in Torrence earning his MSW (Masters of Social Work) from USC in 2017.

Recognized (alongside Horace Tapscott, Kamau Daaood, Billy Higgins, Dwight Trible, etc.) as one of the architects of the Leimert Park (Black Arts Village) Cultural Renaissance; Torrence continues to help shape the cultural/political/educational landscape in Los Angeles via his 11 year old Film Festival, I’ve Known Rivers, his 25 year old project, the Cultural Renaissance Classic Photo series, his See a Man, Be a Man & Princess 2 Queen Life Mastery/Mentoring programs, his Malcolm X Legacy project, which includes an effort to co-name Crenshaw alongside Malcolm X Boulevard, and the annual cultural Festival, that bears Malcolm X’s name. Additionally, Torrence coordinates an annual historical/music/arts tour entitled, New Orleans, Da Soul of America (Oct 5-11th, 2022) and is founder/producer and lead vocalist with his own band, Everything with Soul, which operates as an music and arts project under the non-profit, and, he is a member of two vocal groups, including Street Corner Renaissance (acapella doo wop) and the Delfonics, a legendary 70’s sweet soul music trio, known for their hit songs, La La Means I Love You, Didn’t I Blow Your Mind and Break Your Promise to name a few. Torre` travels the nation and world bringing joy to thousands, through the magic of soul stirring music. His solo Album, Shrimp & Grits, was released in 2022, and forthcoming is two of his new books, Da Root, a Soulful Memoir and Guide to Mastering Your Life, and, A Question of Culture, named after a popular weekly film & discussion forum he hosts, wherein his writings provide intellectual food for thought.

Torrence philosophy states, “None of us are truly free, unless we wish for others, what we wish for ourselves.”

His organizational Edith says, “FA-MLI, changing the world, one human being at a time.”