Ezell Watson III

Storyteller

Depart in Love.  This is what the name “Ezell” means.  Born and raised in Birmingham Alabama, the product of high school-aged parents, I believe “It takes a village.” 

My village has been a mobile one, attending college in Virginia and Alabama, and working and living in various villages across the U.S—from the Southeast Panhandle to the Pacific Northwest.  I’ve been called a renaissance man, but I’d like to consider myself simply a connoisseur of life.  I’m a practicing yogi, roller-skater, and lover of worldly cuisine (aka foodie).

When I arrived in Portland in 2012, I discovered my home. The motto, “Keep Portland Weird” resonated with me.  The idea that we’re ‘normalizing weirdness’ speaks to the spirit of acceptance that I encountered upon arrival.

In my various roles in the Church, I began to tap-into the storyteller that I believe resides in all of us.  Every step of my life’s journey has generated vivid stories that I remember without the bounds of time.  Storytelling liberated me from confining constructs such as patriarchy, capitalism, and xenophobia—to name a few.  Through ‘owning’ my stories, and thus feeling comfortable sharing them, I have been able to connect with souls that have led and continue to lead my personal growth and healing.

I’m honored to participate in the Front Porch Storytelling Series.  My hope is that I promote smiles and happiness in the atmosphere, and that everyone who engages in my story ‘departs in love.’

Namaste