Unfiltered Conversations with Ernelle "Big Fade" Bellamy Part 3 of 3
In the final installment of Unfiltered Conversations, host Ernest W. Richardson, III closes out this powerful three-part series with Ernelle “Big Fade” Bellamy—bringing everything full circle.
This episode is about legacy.
It’s about presence.
And it’s about what you choose to do with what you’ve built.
Ernelle doesn’t just talk about success—he talks about responsibility. The responsibility to give back… to be present… and to guide the next generation with intention. For over two decades, he has poured into his community, not for recognition—but because it’s who he is.
Through his nonprofit, Big Kids Undertaking, he’s doing more than teaching light and sound—he’s teaching discipline, creativity, teamwork, and vision. He’s showing young people what’s possible when someone takes the time to invest in them.
One of the most powerful moments in this episode comes from a simple idea sparked at home. With a movie theater-style setup in his house, his son once asked, “Dad, can we do this for people who don’t have this?”
That question turned into action.
For over a decade, Ernelle has hosted free movie nights at the pavilion in his hometown—creating experiences for families and children who may not otherwise have access.
And it doesn’t stop there.
What started as a birthday celebration with a few hundred people has grown into something much bigger—the Leo Soul Festival. Now a four-day community event, completely free, bringing people together through music, culture, and connection.
We’re talking full-scale production—bounce houses for the kids, free water for everyone, top-tier sound and entertainment—all powered by a dedicated crew of 40 people. The same level of professionalism and excellence he brings to business… he brings to his community.
But he didn’t stop with events.
Ernelle has built out facilities within his warehouse campus that house his daughter’s cosmetology business and his wife’s designer clothing line—creating opportunities not just for his family, but for growth, creativity, and independence.
And he makes it clear…
That campus isn’t just his.
It’s for the community as well.
A place where vision, business, and opportunity can come together under one roof.
And when you ask him about legacy…
He’ll tell you it’s not the work he’s done.
It’s not the massive amount of equipment he’s built.
It’s his character.
It’s his kindness.
That’s how he wants to be remembered.
This final chapter isn’t just a conclusion—it’s a reminder that real success isn’t just what you build for yourself… it’s what you build within yourself… and what you leave in others.
These are the conversations… that change lives.