#UnitingCharleston | KJ Kearney

Explicit content warning

06/08/20 • 30 min

My name is KJ Kearney and I’m a native and current resident of North Charleston, SC.
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HISTORICALLY BLACK - I graduated from one of the greatest HBCUs to ever exist, South Carolina State University (@scstate1896) where I played football and was a member of the University’s very first Honors Program class.
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I HAVE MY OWN DAY (KINDA) - In 2018 I wrote a proclamation for RED RICE DAY which was approved by the City of Charleston. The proclamation was created to formally recognize the culinary contributions of my enslaved ancestors to the city.
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(RETIRED) SNEAKERHEAD - I was an avid collector of sneakers. At one point, I had about 200 pairs in my possession. That’s still low to other sneaker enthusiasts but hella higher than most people (BONUS: my favorite sneaker color is grey).
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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT - This year I was given the exclusive “EXPERT” badge at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival (@chswineandfood) because of my knowledge on Gullah Geechee culture and cuisine. Even hosted an event for them called “Soul Stroll”. You should have been there—shit was lit!
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BLACK FOOD MATTERS - So the purpose of #BlackFoodFridays is to encourage everyone to support Black owned restaurants, chefs, caterers, and producers every Friday. That’s why I’m always shouting out different restaurants and food creatives on this page.
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NONPROFIT LOADING - Because of the support I’ve been given, in such a short period of time, I have been able to donate meals to essential workers in both Charleston and North Charleston. 125 to be specific. And it’s part of the reason why I’m starting a nonprofit to help facilitate this work.

Previous Episode

Meeting Chris + Nicole | Indigo Reef Brewing Company

Chris Ranere and wife Nicole moved to Mt. Pleasant from the Midwest, where they both worked for a large software company. As 9-to-5ers are wont to do, the couple decided they were worn out from the "work hard, play hard" mantra of their job. Ranere says the beer bug bit him when he ordered a home brewing kit. "I studied electrical engineering and I started writing my own recipes. I have this mindset where I like to tinker and play, it was fun looking into the science." The Raneres did their research, Chris took on an assistant brewing position at Two Blokes to learn everything thing he could about the production side of things, and they lined up their financials. They were ready to throw their hat in the ring.
Mary Scott Hardaway - Charleston City Paper

Next Episode

#UnitingCharleston | Peyton Raybon

Peyton Raybon is a graduating senior at Wando High School and an active member at Seacoast Church. She is a photographer with the Wando Tribal Tribune newspaper and a former captain on the Wando cheer team.
Petyon sits down and tells us how she is active and protesting for change. She thinks some of the best places to start are both physical and emotional training for police officers, along with conversations in your home between your family, especially with children. She also walks us through getting gassed at the 4pm Marion Square protest on Sunday 5/31.