Marcus Ellsworth

Marcus is a local spoken word artist and activist living in Chattanooga. Formerly a writer for MTV News, he has interviewed activists from across the country and followed movements from environmental justice to policy change advocacy. Ellsworth regularly contributed political poetry and compelling interviews for MTV's podcast The Stakes. He covered Standing Rock at the height of the #NoDAPL protests, and ended his time at MTV News with a short documentary on LGBTQ Pride in the heart of conservative Wyoming. Bringing poetry, humor, and heart to pertinent political issues is one of Ellsworth's greatest passions.

Marcus is now the Artistic Managing Director for Contemporary Performing Arts of Chattanooga, the nonprofit organization that manages Barking Legs Theater. There you can find Marcus hosting the open mic cabaret The Floor Is Yours on the first Friday of every month. Marcus is also the co-host of The Chocolate Therapy Podcast where he and Jordan Scruggs share recipes and discuss food, culture, and current events with guest appearances by a variety of Black Southern artists, activists, and leaders.

Whether helping build strategies with other activists or speaking publicly about injustice, you can find Marcus behind the scenes and in the streets for many causes he cares about.