Life & Work with Wesley Hamilton of Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Hamilton.

Hi Wesley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
At 24, a severe injury threatened to derail my life, presenting me with a pivotal choice: merely survive or fully thrive. Choosing to thrive, I discovered unparalleled strength within, achieving more post-injury than ever before. This transformative period taught me the immeasurable power of self-awareness and self-love. Rather than being defined by adversity, I was shaped by my response, propelling me to heights previously unimagined, all through understanding and valuing myself.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but the journey has been fairly smooth.
Life is a marathon filled with twists, turns, and unexpected hurdles. My road has certainly been no exception—it’s been challenging. As a paralyzed black man, I’ve faced unique adversities. Much of my journey has been overshadowed by the lack of representation in the spaces I’ve ventured into, limited access to essential resources, and a lack of empathy from many around me; my struggles have been distinct and deeply entrenched. Despite these barriers, I’ve persevered, drawing strength from the challenges that sought to limit me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My multifaceted journey encompasses various roles; I am a philanthropist, athlete, model, social entrepreneur, visionary, and, above all, a student of life. My transformative experience propelled me with a deep understanding that I had a powerful message and story to share. This realization drove me to inspire others to unearth their inherent well-being and strength. In the fitness world, I’ve marked my presence significantly within the CrossFit and bodybuilding realms, becoming a beacon of motivation and tenacity. Numerous media publications highlight my story and achievements, amplifying my voice and message to a global audience. But my passion doesn’t end with personal accolades. Committed to driving change and fostering empowerment, I founded “Disabled But Not Really” (DBNR). Through DBNR, the vision has always been clear and steadfast: to inspire individuals with disabilities to take control, to live life on their terms, and to realize that limitations are often mental rather than physical. My endeavors haven’t gone unnoticed. Organizations like the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation have honored my work, a testament to the impact and difference I strive to make. My unwavering commitment to uplift and inspire sets me apart, derived from personal experience and the desire to see others realize their fullest potential.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I cherish most about KC is its entirety because it’s home. Having been born and raised here, I’ve come to love everything about it – the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Every city has its imperfections, and KC is no exception. However, our collective responsibility and passion can shape its infrastructure and future. While I embrace all of KC, what I like least is that we sometimes forget our potential to enact change. But I believe in our ability to create a better environment for all residents continually.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wesleyhamilton.life
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamweshamilton
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wesleyhamilton.life
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamweshamilton/
• Other: disabledbutnotreally.org