WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

Ellen Denise Leak had a vision to become a resource that supports and guides the many entrepreneurs and individuals in the arts and entertainment industry, and she’s quickly becoming that resource.

In 2011 she founded the FCEA (Forsyth County Entertainment Awards).

“Most artists, entertainers feel that they are not appreciated. They feel no one notices them. They feel that their talent is small. I am on a mission to change that mindset,” a very excited Ellen Leak said.

The first awards ceremony was in 2012 with roughly 100 people in attendance. In just one year the 2013 FCEA (Forsyth County Entertainment Awards) grew to nearly 1,000 people in attendance. It was held at Millennium Center in downtown Winston-Salem, with proceeds going to Aids Care Service.

“I was so excited to share my gifts to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Leak. God continued blessing Leak in 2014 with an attendance of nearly 2,000 people. Leak dedicated her efforts to raising money for the youth organization Authoring Action. The nonprofit has given out over 125 entertainment awards and 20 nonprofit or individual achievement awards. 

FCEA has truly been an inspiration to awardees, like Will “EJ” Furches, who was unsure of his skills until he won the Food Service award in 2012. Leak was proud to share his success. “Now he is a registered company in N.C. and serves the Triad with his delicious cakes.” Latisha Hood-Carter won the “dancer” award in 2013 and was inspired to start her own dance company called Renea’s Modern Dancers. Chris Parker aka VoKal has started touring since his “Pop Artist Award” in 2012, and Tyler Hickman won the Videographer award in 2014 and that pushed him to go back to school to perfect his craft. Leak said when she notifies the nominees,  “they either scream, cry or express gratitude.”

The bad news is after many health and financial complications, Leak and her organization had to take a break. The good news is it’s 2018 and the FCEA (Forsyth County Entertainment Awards) is back! The fourth annual awards program will be Sunday, July 8, at 5 p.m. at Winston-Salem Coliseum Annex. Red Carpet begins at 4:30 p.m.

For more info, visit www.fceawards.com.

“I feel that God charged me to make sure that this particular set of people are encouraged and motivated to keep pushing. These entertainers are amazing. They are underrated, unappreciated and some are confused on their next move. I am here to help. I am here to give them the pat on the back that they deserve.”