Wesley Thomas – Biography My name is Wesley Thomas (stage name - Millennial). I am a rapper, singer, spoken word poet, and songwriter. I was born in Memphis, TN, but my hometown is Ashland, MS. I am 18 years old. I am the youngest child of 4 siblings. Growing up as a child, I loved music. My dad is a singer and piano player who had a great influence on me at a young age. I’ve been singing ever since I was a kid but didn’t expose my talent until 2015. I began writing poetry, songs, and raps on a daily basis, using the gift that God blessed me with. I started performing my original pieces at church and later began speaking at school during assemblies and programs. Shortly after, I began posting my performances on Facebook to touch more lives on a broader scale. After exposure, churches and organizations in my surrounding area would contact me to invite me to speak at their programs and gatherings. In 2016, I participated in a talent competition in Memphis, TN under the “Heal the Hood” program. I placed first in the competition with my poetic performance, received $500.00 and was blessed with the opportunity to meet Demetria McKinney. In December of 2017, two classmates and I were chosen to participate in a program at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. I performed two original spoken word poems and sang the song “Glory” by John Legend. There were many “people of power” in the room that were awed by our performance. On May 19, 2018, I graduated from Ashland High School as the Valedictorian. On August 18, 2018, I was chosen to participate in a competitive poetry slam authorized by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. In my age group, I placed second and received $1000.00. I was also blessed to come in contact with famous spoken word artist J. Ivy. On June 12, 2019, I competed in the Coast 2 Coast Live Memphis competition and placed 1st. I am now a sophomore at Mississippi State University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Accounting.