We had the good fortune of connecting with Donny Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donny, what principle do you value most?
Without a doubt kindness and empathy are what matter most. No matter what your role is in life, if you inject some kindness and show some empathy, you will leave a lasting and meaningful footprint. Far too often people say or do things that hurt others. If you put yourself in their shoes for just one second then it can make the biggest difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ever since I was young I’ve always been artsy. Whether it’s music, film, writing, drawing, or performance, the arts have always set my soul on fire. I went to Wayne State University for Film Studies and fell in love with movies more than I ever thought I could. Screenwriting became my passion and I find myself writing more often than I pick up my camera or sit down with an Adobe product. People like to say a mind is a terrible thing to waste and it’s true, but I like to say an imagination is a terrible thing to waste. The life of an artist is not easy. People need to believe in your ideas if you want to make a living at it! However success is what you make it and putting pen to paper or images to the screen feels pretty successful to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now I love Metro Detroit and there are so many amazing places popping up every day. However, The Detroit Institute of Arts is my favorite place in Detroit. I’d start off with a visit to the DIA, lunch at Grey Ghost and dessert at For the Love of Sugar. Relax the next day at a cafe, maybe Dessert Oasis in Royal Oak and some karaoke in the evening at the Corner in Ferndale. Gotta pop back to downtown Detroit to visit the Historical museum and the Charles H. Wright. Authentic and delicious Mexican food in Southwest Detroit is a must as well. The city has so many jewels, Belle Isle, the Avenue of Fashion, Campus Martius and more! I would visit a little bit of everywhere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My number one shoutout always goes out to my mom. My mom was with the Detroit Police Department for over 30 years and instilled important values into my brother and I. Family has always played an important role in my life whether it’s family by blood or by choice. I also work for an amazing organization, Metro Detroit Youth Clubs. I love being a part of making an impact on the lives of young people.

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