We recently connected with Winston Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Winston , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
I decided to start my creative journey as a result of personal mental anguish. This was way before my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2020. I did not understand why my pain about those I was losing was so acutely intense. I lost good friends and family members to suicide, disease, and external violence. A young man came to me after a reading of one of my plays and told me how it inspired him to find and continue his journey. These situations compelled me to establish the Rising Tides Charity organization. We are focused on helping creatives find their voice. Since then we have over hundred podcast episodes, live events, and several theatrical experiences. This will culminate with our first ever signature event in which we will give money and education directly to one person. This has become more of calling than a purpose. I believe my spirituality and desire to see our creative lives flourish, is having an impact one person at a time.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was born in Jamaica, and had a wonderful experience growing up in New York. I spent most of my years in Roosevelt out on Long Islan. I am proud to be from the same place as Julius Erving, Eddie Murphy, Public Enemy, and so many other greats.. Growing up around so much success fueled me with ambition that is part of my makeup. Another aspect of what has shaped my world view is the example of my parents leaving their country to come to United States with the aspiration to create a life for their family. I graduated from St. Joh’s University ( New York ) and a I have an MBA from Kennesaw State University ( Georgia ). I’m so in love with my grown son ( Caesar ) and my partner for over thirty years ( Cherry ). Each day of my life I focus on two objectives. How do I learn something of value and what one thing I can do for my fellow humans. I spend significant time with my organization, Rising Tides Charity. I also love to be part of the community and thankful to be part of organizations that inspire creativity as an innate power of our collective spirit.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love writing and speaking to groups. The priority of each of them toggle throughout the years, but they are linked to one of my personal values, creativity. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how challenging this has been over the last couple of years. In 2020 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a neurological disease that impact many life functions if left untreated. This has put my life in a clear focus about what is important. Each day I allocate time to growing both of these areas.. It’s so rewarding when I see a story I’ve written provoke thoughts and excitement to an audience. When I’m speaking and I see a twinkle in someone’s eye, I know the talk slash speech is successful.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’ve lost family and friends that suppressed their creativity and then left this plane of existence. I’m singularly focused on helping all of us putting our God given gift of creativity as a superpower. This gift helps us all tap into our spirituality and allow us all to have deep rewarding relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wnstonawilson.com
- Instagram: https://instsagram..com/winstoawilson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winston.a.wilson
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/winstonawilson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8nOBObQgDLGNIlSSgC3Tw