I've shared that Public Speaking has had a profound impact on my life.  In this podcast episode, I share my personal approach on how communication is critical for me and productivity.   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fearless-productivity/id1636412131?i=1000659194048
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Angel L. Henderson gives us guidance on how to grow as an Actor.

For most of my life, I've existed on the periphery, a ghost in the room. Conversations flowed around me, laughter echoed without me, and I felt like a forgotten melody, yearning to be heard. This invisibility left a hollow ache, a constant reminder of feeling like I wasn't quite a part of the world. I was in groups, but not “in” groups.
Then came "Lyrics," my play. It's a story whispered from the corner of my heart, a collection of voices yearning for connection. But in creating it, something shifted within me. The characters, though fictional, became my companions, their struggles a reflection of my own. Through them, I found my voice, a voice that resonated not just on stage, but within myself.
"Lyrics" isn't just a play, it's a testament to the power of finding your place. It's a reminder that even the quietest among us have a story to tell, a song to sing. We all crave connection, and sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is step out of the shadows and be seen.
So, if you, like me, have ever felt invisible, remember this: your voice matters. Find your outlet, your art, your "Lyrics." The world needs your unique melody. Let's rewrite the narrative, not for the world's approval, but for our own inner peace. Let's find harmony, not by blending in, but by embracing the beautiful dissonances that make us who we are.
See you on August 30th
https://abtf.ludus.com/index.php?step=seats

Yo, Everyone, Winston here. Creativity and storytelling have been my heartbeat since I was a kid growing up in Roosevelt, New York. My Jamaican roots soaked up every story told and watched, the li the energy – felt like home. Then MS threw me a curveball a few years ago, fatigue became my shadow, and the stage started feeling a million miles away. Emotions that were long suppressed started to pour out everywhere.
But listen, that's where LYRICS steps in. This ain't just a play, it's a celebration of Hip Hop, that raw, soulful art form that's been a constant in my life. the emotions finally found a reservoir.

LYRICS is a story about redemption, the strength we find in each other, and the magic that flows through every beat. Imagine a show that merges the fire of Hip Hop with the heart of theatre. Imagine a story that speaks to anyone who's ever felt lifted by a song, anyone who's found hope in a rhythm. That's LYRICS.

This isn't just about bringing this story to life, it's about staying connected to the world that raised me. It's about sharing my love for Hip Hop, the culture that's been my soundtrack. It's about creating an experience that'll resonate with all of you who know the power of both.
But I can't do this alone.

This GoFundMe is more than just funding a play, it's about shaping the future of LYRICS. Every contribution gets us closer to opening night, closer to sharing this story with the world. It's about giving LYRICS a voice, a chance to inspire and uplift.

So, if you've ever felt the rhythm move your soul if you believe in the magic of storytelling, then help me bring LYRICS to life. Let's build something special together that celebrates the stories we carry and the hope that beats within us all.

#MS #Theatre #HipHop #LYRICS #Community #Hope #BlackStories #GofundMe #WinstonWilson #atlantablacktheatrefestival

-Winston A Wilson
Catch LYRICS at the 13th Annual Atlanta Black Theatre Festival on August 30th at 8PM. Tickets are on SALE now.
https://abtf.ludus.com/index.php
https://atlantabtf.org

"Seven Suns shape my Fifty-Five Suns" pt.1


In the quiet corners of my mind, where memories and dreams intertwine, I find myself standing at the crossroads of fifty-five suns. Each sun represents a year, a revolution around the cosmic hearth, and as I step into this celestial intersection, I am both traveler and witness.
🌞 Sun One: Birth in Jamaica In the land of turquoise seas and mango trees, I emerged—a tiny spark of life cradled by the Caribbean sun. My mother's laughter danced like trade winds, and my father's stories wove constellations into my soul. Jamaica—the island of my genesis, where the rhythm of reggae echoed in my heartbeat. I didn’t grow there. However my spirit is there and its spirit Is within me.
🌞 Sun Two: Roosevelt, New York From palm-fringed shores to asphalt and tar streets, destiny carried me to Roosevelt—a place where homes whispered secrets of resilience. Here, I learned the alchemy of survival, turning adversity into gold. The sun over Long Island watched as I navigated school hallways, my backpack heavy with dreams. The home of Julius Erving, Public Enemy, and Eddie Murphy shines bright as any universe.
🌞 Sun Three: The Battle with Multiple Sclerosis The sun dimmed briefly as shadows crept across my body. Multiple sclerosis—a tempest within my nervous system. But defiance burned brighter. I wielded canes like wands, casting spells of determination. The theater and sharing my story became my sanctuaries where I pirouetted through pain, and the spotlights kissed my spirit.
🌞 Sun Four: Turning Fifty-Five And now, here I stand, at the threshold of fifty-five. The sun wears a crown of wisdom, its rays etching lines of experience upon my skin. I celebrate the mosaic of scars—the battles fought, the victories won. My bones hum with stories, and I wear my age like a badge of honor.
🌞 Sun Five: "Lyrics" In the heart of Atlanta, my hip-hop play, "Lyrics," takes flight. The stage pulses with rhythm, and the audience leans in, hungry for truth. We spin tales of resilience, of forgotten voices rising from asphalt jungles. The sunbeams catch the sweat on our brows, and we become constellations of artistry.
🌞 Sun Six: "Fearless Productivity" Through the airwaves, my podcast reverberates—a beacon for dreamers, procrastinators, and visionaries. "Fearless Productivity"—where I share secrets of time bending, of Notion pages and Todoist lists. The sun nods in approval, for productivity is a dance with the cosmos, a choreography of purpose.
🌞 Sun Seven: Arts Education and Community I cradle the suns of passion—arts education, community empowerment. In classrooms, I ignite sparks of creativity, teaching children to wield pencils like wands. In community centers, I plant seeds of change, bridging disparities in black and Latino neighborhoods. The sun applauds, casting golden rays upon my endeavors.


And so, dear friends, as I traverse these fifty-five suns, I invite you to join me. Let us write our stories in stardust, our verses in solar flares. For within each sun, there lies a universe—a canvas awaiting our fearless strokes.
Fin

With my battle with Multiple Sclerosis, fatigue is a real symptom.  It is difficult to sleep due to physical symptoms so that compounds the impact.  How do I combat it?  I lean into what gives me joy and excitement.  That is spending time with people.  I proactively reach out to people to learn, laugh, and love.  It is not a hundred percent remedy, but it helps with the long days we all encounter.  

​We had a wonderful rehearsal yesterday. I shared that some days I get the fatigue bug (I have multiple sclerosis). This cast helps my energy and gives me fuel. I’ve never been part of a production in which every person is contributing more than their acting talent. Thanks to Bridget Roberts for helping me with some last minute items.
I look forward to seeing everyone on August 30th.

I'm thankful for many things.  Including the fact that I live in a wonderful time in history.  It's easy for me to complain when I have access to news feed from across the world.  I have to take this as a good thing as well.  Despite the fatigue, the overwhelm I still move forward.  I think all of those which have sacrificed so that we can ponder, contemplate, and create.  Thank you for everything.  

Being Intentionally CourageousI was born in Jamaica—the land of vibrant colors, reggae rhythms, and warm smiles. The sun’s golden embrace imprinted courage onto my soul, preparing me for the challenges ahead. This Jamaican heritage gifted imbued me with resilience—the ability to sway with life’s storms while remaining firmly rooted.
Growing Up in Roosevelt, New York: Navigating Stormy Seas
​Roosevelt, New York—a place where dreams collide with reality. A home know for challenges but also with celebrity. Childhood memories echo through its streets—the laughter of friends, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the promise of tomorrow. Yet, your path was not without obstacles.
Fatherhood and Husbandry Love in Action
Fatherhood—a sacred role that transcends mere biology. I embraced it with open arms, weaving love into the fabric of your son’s life. Your laughter echoed in play, I hoped wisdom whispered in his dreams. As a husband, you danced through life’s seasons with your partner—a symphony of shared joys, whispered secrets, and steadfast commitment. Love still flows like a river, carving deep channels of connection.
Multiple Sclerosis: A Fierce Adversary
MS—the silent intruder that tiptoed into your life. Its symptoms—numbness, fatigue, uncertainty—threatened to unravel my finely woven tapestry. I refused to surrender. Instead, I muster courage as my sword, battling fatigue with determination, numbness with resilience. Each day became a canvas for bravery—a testament to your unwavering spirit.
The Emotional Appeal: When Fear Beckons
Fear—an unwelcome companion that knocks on our hearts. It whispers doubt, paints shadows on our dreams, and paralyzes action. But I with danced with it everyday. When anxiety knocks, remember this: Fear is a call to action. It beckons us to rise, to defy the odds, and to embrace life’s uncertainties.
Tools of Intentionality: Notion and Todoist
In the labyrinth of life, tools guide our steps. Notion—a digital sanctuary where ideas bloom, tasks align, and dreams take shape. I wield it like a sorcerer, organizing chaos into clarity. Todoist—a faithful companion that whispers reminders, nudging me toward purposeful living. Together, they orchestrate your days, ensuring intentional moments with family and community.
Conclusion: The Courageous Symphony
Life is a symphony composed of courage, love, and intentional living. As the conductor, we all wield a baton, directing each note with grace. So, my friends, let fear be our crescendo, urging you to leap into the unknown. For within its embrace lies the magic—the magic of courage, the magic of life.
Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the audacity to dance despite it.

In the grand tapestry of human existence, art is the vibrant thread that weaves together our shared experiences, emotions, and cultural heritage. Yet, despite its profound impact, arts and arts education often find themselves relegated to the margins. In this exploration, we delve into the systemic undervaluation of the arts, focusing on the disparities faced by Black and Latino communities. Let us illuminate the canvas and seek solutions that elevate creativity, empower minds, and foster inclusivity

1. Neglected Nurturing
Arts education, once a cornerstone of holistic development, now faces neglect. Budget cuts, standardized testing, and shifting priorities have eroded its presence in schools. Unfortunately, Black and Latino students disproportionately bear this burden. Schools in underserved neighborhoods often lack robust arts programs, stifling creativity and limiting opportunities.

2. Representation Matters
Art reflects our identities, struggles, and triumphs. Yet, the underrepresentation of Black and Latino artists in mainstream galleries, theaters, and museums perpetuates a cycle of invisibility. When young minds don’t see themselves reflected in the arts, their aspirations dim.

3. Socioeconomic Barriers
Access to arts education extends beyond the classroom. Private lessons, art supplies, and cultural experiences come with a price tag. Families in marginalized communities grapple with financial constraints, hindering their ability to nurture artistic talents.

Short-Term Solutions
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1. Community Partnerships
Forge alliances between schools, local artists, and community centers. Workshops, residencies, and mentorship programs can infuse creativity into young lives. Let’s bring artists into classrooms, bridging the gap between inspiration and reality.
2. Culturally Relevant Curricula
Design arts curricula that celebrate diverse voices. Incorporate Black and Latino artists, musicians, and writers. Teach students about Basquiat’s bold strokes, Celia Cruz’s rhythms, and Langston Hughes’s poetic fire. Representation matters.
3. Microgrants and Scholarships
Empower budding artists with microgrants for supplies, workshops, and exhibitions. Scholarships can level the playing field, ensuring that talent isn’t stifled by financial constraints.

Long-Term Solutions
1. Policy Advocacy
Lobby for arts education policies that prioritize equity. Ensure that every child, regardless of ZIP code, has access to creative expression. Advocate for increased funding, teacher training, and curriculum reform.
2. Cultural Spaces
Invest in community art centers, theaters, and galleries. These spaces become sanctuaries for expression, incubators for talent, and bridges across cultural divides. Let’s build more Southwest Arts Centers, where dreams take center stage.
3. Mentorship Networks
Create mentorship pipelines connecting established artists with aspiring ones. Imagine a seasoned playwright guiding a young poet or a renowned dancer inspiring a novice. Mentorship fosters growth, resilience, and artistic legacy.

Opportunity: The Intersection of Technology and Art
As we navigate the digital age, technology becomes our canvas. Virtual galleries, online performances, and interactive exhibits break down geographical barriers. Let’s harness this opportunity to amplify Black and Latino voices, creating a global stage for their artistry.
In the symphony of change, let us elevate arts education from an afterthought to a crescendo—a harmonious blend of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride. Together, we can paint a brighter future—one where every stroke matters, every voice resonates, and every artist finds their rightful place.

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