We recently connected with W.Ellington Felton and have shared our conversation below.

W.Ellington, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always had a creative streak, thanks in part to being born into a family of musicians and ministers. Performance and public speaking have always felt like second nature to me. However, it wasn’t until I turned 15 that I realized my calling as a professional artist.

The turning point came through the guidance of a substitute teacher at my high school named Geralyn Gilstrap. One day, she stopped me in the hallway and asked, “Have you ever considered pursuing acting?” She handed me a play called “My Children, My Africa” by Athol Fugard. As I delved into the script, I found striking parallels between the main character and myself. That encounter was the spark that ignited my passion for acting.

Encouraged by Ms. Gilstrap, I took the initiative to establish a drama group at our school. Together, we staged a performance of “My Children, My Africa,” which received rave reviews and applause from the audience. That experience illuminated for me the transformative power of the performing arts and its capacity to effect change.

Subsequently, I auditioned for and secured an acting scholarship for the summer program at The Chautauqua Institute. There, I was introduced to the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights, further fueling my love for the craft.

This journey culminated in my enrollment at the Carnegie Mellon University Theatre Conservatory, where I continued to hone my skills and deepen my understanding of the art form.

W.Ellington, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an interdisciplinary artist, embodying roles as an actor, poet, writer, painter, MC, and singer. My journey in the world of performance began at the age of 15, and since then, I’ve been hailed as a renaissance man and a voice of my own musings. To truly understand my essence, one must engage with me or witness my performances firsthand.

Hailing from Washington, DC, I am deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of my surroundings, being the son of jazz pianist Hilton C. Felton Jr. Growing up amidst the vibrant arts scene of DC, I was immersed in creativity from an early age. Armed with a backpack brimming with notebooks filled with poetry and rhymes, I swiftly made my mark on platforms like BET’s “Teen Summit.”

My pursuit of artistic excellence led me to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where I delved into the craft of acting. Upon returning to DC, I found myself both teaching and performing with Arena Stage’s “Living Stage Theatre Company,” all the while nurturing my passion for music.

In 2000, I co-founded the Hip Hop Soul Group “The Crossrhodes” alongside R&B sensation Raheem Devaughn. Through this endeavor, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating and sharing stages with luminaries such as Chris Rock, Meshell N’Degeocello, Dionne Farris, Eric Roberson, Common, and Dave Chapelle, among others.

Despite my varied pursuits, I remain dedicated to my community as a DC resident and single father. For a decade, I’ve imparted oratory workshops as part of Ford’s Theatre’s Education Department. Additionally, I’ve showcased my acting talents in notable projects such as the film “Love Dot Com” on Prime and ALLBLK Network’s “Hush,” Season 2.

These accomplishments serve as reminders that passion, training, and unwavering dedication yield fruitful rewards in the pursuit of one’s artistic vision.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe society should prioritize harnessing the power of art as a catalyst for positive transformation. Too often, art is either employed as a means of escapism or embraced for its reinforcement of stereotypes and negativity. Yet, I see art as a potent force capable of healing a society fractured by systemic failures and divisive leadership.

Instead of serving merely as a distraction, art possesses the capacity to inspire empathy, challenge perceptions, and provoke meaningful dialogue. By elevating voices that champion inclusivity, justice, and compassion, we can reshape cultural narratives and foster genuine understanding.

It’s time to recognize the profound impact art can have in shaping a more equitable and harmonious society. By supporting and promoting art that advocates for unity and progress, we can pave the way toward a brighter collective future.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

Despite having tech-savvy friends who extol the benefits of NFTs, I still find myself grappling with a full understanding of them. These discussions leave me feeling somewhat uninspired, lacking the motivation to delve into NFTs independently. I’m eagerly awaiting a clear, straightforward explanation on how I can leverage my diverse creative skillset in the realm of NFTs. Perhaps someone reading this can provide the clarity and guidance I seek.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesfeltondc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wesfelton

Image Credits
Photos by: Kenny Allen