Meet Tenelle Winmore | Educator/Artist

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

Hi Tenelle, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from north St. Louis. Growing up on the northside definitely gave me a hunger to make a righteous impact on my city. I want to show the best part of being a St. Louisan and proud black man. The narrative about our hoods are factual but obscure. My city made me hustle for the life I want. My hood made me fearless.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a member of a hip hop duo called Souls of Liberty. We have a podcast called Souls of Liberty show and a ton of music to stream on all platforms. We were featured in “The Culture” exhibit in the Contemporary Art Museum in STL to commemorate the 50th year of hip hop. The exhibit would also be seen in Germany. Being a creative is not easy because of business/politics. There is no handbook on how to achieve your dreams within the music industry but you passion fuels you to adapt and grow. Along the Souls of Liberty journey I came into the knowledge of myself, which helped me understand my purpose in life. We are now coaching basketball at our alma mater and giving back to the Metro Community. I am proud that we continue to follow our passions while inspiring others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We definitely would have to grab some imos pizza (thicker crust) IYKYK.
Get you some red hot riplets (chips) with a vess soda. We gone ride around the city learn some history and about some of the great St. Louisans we have. We gotta hit a Cardinals game and go get drinks at passport. Then hit Sophie’s afterwards. The Arch, forest park, the loop, Cherokee, the grove, the hill, tower grove park, even the different hoods/trenches if you open to it. Playing everything from Nelly to Sexxy Red.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mother Cheryl Bufford. She has always been in my corner and I couldn’t be the man I am today without her. Her love has been unconditional and I can never repay her.

Website: Bigesco.com (educateselfcultivateothers)

Instagram: Tenelle Winmore/Souls of Liberty/Big Esco

Twitter: Soulsofliberty

Soundcloud: Souls of liberty

Facebook: Souls of Liberty

Youtube: Souls of Liberty

Other: https://Bigesco.com