KJ Kearney

He/him/demboi

Years of Participation

2019-2023

KJ Kearney is the founder of the James Beard Award nominated social media account, Black Food Fridays. Found primarily on Instagram and TikTok, Black Food Fridays is a call-to-action, encouraging all to be intentional with their support of Black owned food/beverage businesses by purchasing from them each and every Friday.

KJ's work in the food space includes hosting Soul Food tours for both the Charleston Wine and Food Festival and the Charleston Visitors Bureau, writing the proclamation for "Red Rice Day" adopted by the City of Charleston in 2018, crafting social media content for the Pepsi "Dig-In" Initiative, as well as an appearance on the hit Food Network show, "Delicious Ms. Brown".

Black Food Fridays has been featured and mentioned in a wide range of publications including TodayShow.com, Mic.com, Gastro Obscura, Bet.com, the Post & Courier, The New York Times, and Good Morning America.