North Charleston Native Elevates Fridays With Food History Initiative
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – A North Charleston native has given a novel meaning to Fridays with his initiative aimed at spotlighting Black history and promoting local Black-owned food and beverage establishments. KJ Kearney, a Black food historian, has embarked on this journey to not only uplift Black-owned businesses, but to deepen public understanding of the rich food history in the region.
Black Food Fridays: A Call to Action
French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once wrote, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are,” hinting at the intrinsic connection between food and identity. Kearney’s effort, “Black Food Fridays,” seeks to rediscover this connection and reintroduce these narratives to our everyday meals. However, Kearney confides, “I absolutely do not cook. I’ve been blessed with a brother and sister and father who love cooking. My role lies not in the kitchen, but in the storytelling – highlighting Black-owned food and beverage businesses and the history that’s behind them.”
Highlighting Heritage and History
Kearney’s initiative underscores the importance of digging into the roots of our food habits to develop a deeper appreciation for them. Through “Black Food Fridays,” Kearney brings to the forefront Black-owned businesses that are oftentimes overlooked, crafting narratives that weave together humor, warm-heartedness, and history. He earnestly believes that this approach helps enhance the bond between these local businesses and the community.
Fusing Past and Present
“Black Food Fridays” took form during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when Black-owned restaurants were disproportionately grappling with financial conflicts. Kearney viewed this as an opportunity to foster community solidarity. His efforts have led him to different corners of North Charleston, filming content at local gems like Daddy’s Girls Bakery, located in the historically Black Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood. Here, he sheds light on items like “Chewies,” a beloved dessert of the Gullah Geechee community.
Recognition and Reward
Kearney’s unique blend of education and entertainment, or “edutainment,” has won him a vast following on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Moreover, his contributions to the culinary sphere were recognized at the national level when he received a James Beard award in June, a highly prestigious honor that pays tribute to top talents in the nation’s food media industries.
Food and Politics
Kearney maintains that food can serve as a powerful vehicle for conveying impactful messages, uniting diverse Community members. Whether it’s a food lover or a critic, everyone needs to eat. Consequently, framing discussions around food offers an accessible, widely accepted avenue for dialogue, bridging gaps and creating space for understanding.
The Role of Community Organizing
Kearney views “Black Food Fridays” as a natural extension of his work as a community organizer. By merging humor, education, and his background in public education, he has orchestrated a unique platform that enthralls and educates. Kearney concluded, “if it’s funny and if it’s delicious, people are more likely to hold on to that message,” rallying for connection, understanding, and support for local businesses within the community.
