We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deonte Bolden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deonte below.

Hi Deonte, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The Bolden Awards, premiering on May 20th, 2023, stands as a distinguished ceremony where boldness converges with greatness. This event is designed to recognize and honor individuals who have surmounted obstacles and adversities, demonstrating excellence in their respective fields. The focus is on those making substantial and audacious strides in their industries, effecting meaningful change. With an exclusive emphasis on celebrating the best, The Bolden Awards spotlights everyday superheroes, each Honoree and recipient bearing an empowering narrative, ranging from overcoming special needs and abuse to triumphing over addiction and incarceration. In an industry often marked by favoritism and cliques, this awards ceremony endeavors to reshape the conventional approach to acknowledging talent and entrepreneurship. By adopting a philosophy that values the chosen few over the merely called, The Bolden Awards aspires to foster an environment where celebration, embracing, honor, and mutual inspiration take precedence over competitive dynamics.

Deonte, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Deonte’ Bolden, an Award-Winning Atlanta-based author, filmmaker, host, and playwright, is the creative force behind Deonte’ Bolden Productions. Hailing from Washington DC, he marked his directorial and playwriting debut with the acclaimed stage production “Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places,” captivating Atlanta audiences with four sold-out performances. A distinguished figure, Deonte’ authored “Purpose Pains,” which clinched The PEACH Theatre Literary Award in 2020. Additionally, his children’s book, “Differently Abled,” a tale of self-love, acceptance, and confidence for children with disabilities, garnered substantial attention, earning him interviews on Atlanta’s 11Alive News and Atlanta Live on WATC TV 57. Currently, Deonte’ is crafting a series of impactful works inspired by his life experiences, set to resonate with generations to come. Notably, he has recently introduced The Bolden Awards, a platform celebrating individuals who’ve triumphed over challenges on their path to excellence, embodying the essence of boldness and greatness.

Deonte’ Bolden also launched “The Bolden Experience” The Bolden Experience is a non-profit corporation dedicated to assisting, equipping, training, and empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence. Their motto, “Where boldness experiences greatness,” suggests a focus on encouraging people to embrace bold actions as they strive to reach their goals.

, “The Bolden Experience”- NonProfit
1. “Embracing Boldness: A Path to Personal Excellence” – This article could explore the concept of boldness and how it plays a vital role in achieving greatness. We highlight real-life stories of individuals who embraced boldness and achieved excellence through our organization’s programs, this is why we launched Bolden Magazine in September 13th, 2023, where we feature Brave-Overcomers-Loudly-Defeating- Every-Naysayer.
2. “Overcoming Obstacles: The Power of Resilience” – Focus on the importance of resilience in facing challenges and how our classes, workshops, and conferences provide tools and techniques to help individuals overcome adversities. We help to coach individuals on how to turn their stories into scripts ultimately for film, television, or for the stage
3. “Empowering Bold Leaders: Cultivating Leadership Skills” – Discuss how The Bolden Experience nurtures and empowers bold leaders through its training programs, highlighting the impact of bold leadership in various spheres.
4. “Bolden Awards: Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements” – Spotlighting the significance of recognizing and rewarding bold achievements in individuals, sharing inspiring stories of past award winners.
5. “Building a Bold Community: The Strength of Support” – Highlight the sense of community and support that our organization fosters among its participants, emphasizing how it contributes to personal growth and empowerment.
6. “The Journey to Boldness: Transformative Experiences” – Sharing testimonials or case studies of individuals who have undergone transformative experiences through The Bolden Experience, showcasing the positive changes in their lives.
7. “Empowerment through Diversity: Embracing Boldness in All Forms” – Emphasize the inclusive nature of our organization and how it encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace boldness and achieve excellence.
8. “The Bolden Experience: A Catalyst for Positive Change” – Discuss the broader impact of our nonprofit corporation on society, highlighting the ripple effect of empowering bold individuals.

Finally, Deonte’ Bolden Productions is gearing up to debut our first musical in 2024, “Differently Abled- The Musical,” which is based on the inspirational story and life of his late brother., “A Journey of Discovery” In the enchanting musical, we follow the remarkable journey of four friends – King, Majesty, Royal, and Adore. These spirited individuals, each with their own unique disabilities, face the challenges of being teased and bullied in their daily lives. Fueled by a deep desire for change, they pen a heartfelt letter to Santa Claus, pleading for the chance to experience life without their disabilities. Miraculously, their wish is granted, and they find themselves transported to a magical North Pole where their journey begins. They embark on an extraordinary adventure, temporarily freed from their disabilities. As they explore life from a different perspective, they discover the joys and struggles of their able-bodied counterparts. However, as the day unfolds, they come to realize that the world without their disabilities isn’t necessarily the paradise they envisioned. They encounter their own set of challenges, discovering that the “normal” world has its own complexities and limitations. Along the way, they form new friendships and encounter diverse characters who teach them important lessons about compassion, acceptance, and the power of resilience. Through heartfelt songs, captivating choreography, and touching interactions, the musical will explore themes of self-discovery, empathy, and the strength that comes from embracing one’s unique abilities. As the friends return to their own bodies, they bring back with them a newfound understanding of the value they bring to the world. The musical concludes with a powerful message: while they may be different, King, Majesty, Royal, and Adore are living proof that their differences make them extraordinary, and they have the power to inspire change and make a meaningful difference in their own lives and the lives of others. This beautiful story is a heartwarming and inspiring musical that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit, reminding us of all that true strength comes from embracing who we are, disabilities and all.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The essence of The Bolden Experience lies in the profound mission to unearth the greatness residing within individuals. In a world where people often grapple with the weight of diverse backgrounds and the haunting perception that past mistakes might impede their path to greatness, The Bolden Experience stands as a beacon of empowerment. It seeks to foster an environment that not only embraces individuals from all walks of life but also provides them with a resonant voice and a platform for recognition. At the heart of this transformative journey is the belief that everyone, regardless of their history, possesses the potential for greatness. The Bolden Experience strives to dismantle the barriers created by past experiences, allowing individuals to step into their own power and reclaim control of their narratives. By providing a space that nurtures self-discovery and amplifies personal triumphs, this initiative aims to instill a sense of resilience and confidence in those who may have felt marginalized or overlooked. Through recognition and acknowledgment, The Bolden Experience seeks to empower individuals to rise above their perceived limitations and embark on a journey of self-realization, contributing to a collective narrative of strength and triumph.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that I wasn’t good enough. Battling self-sabotage, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after a traumatic past, I lingered in the shadows for years. When my brother passed, guilt consumed me, as if I should have been the one to leave. Yet, God reminded me of a divine purpose, assuring that everything happens for a reason. Had I carried out my plan to end my life, I wouldn’t be able to guide others toward discovering their own purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deonteboldenproductions.com www.theboldenawards.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/deonteboldenproductions
• Facebook: Facebook.com./deonteboldenproductions.com
• Twitter: Twitter.com/deontebolden
• Youtube: youtube.com/deonteboldenproductions.com

Image Credits
Shootworks Photography- Phil Jackson