news | Khadijah Dennis

The Road Less Traveled

“Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We hear the saying all the time — that all good things must come to an end. Well, I say, great things never see a stopping point.

On June 20, 2016, a small town girl put on her city boots and embarked on the most important journey of her life: becoming a news producer at her first love – Live 5 News.

I remember coming home every single day growing up, and my mom blocking time on the TV from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. so she could see what her news of the day was. And don’t you dare touch that remote any time in between. Before the night is over, she’s checking back into the 11 p.m. show because she needed to know if we were walking out the door with jackets for school in the morning.

Fast forward to post-grad life after the University of South Carolina, and it’s me becoming a part of that voice, helping to provide that feeling of safety for other families, and hoping that there is a mom, or father, an auntie or a grandparents that depended on, and was more than satisfied with what was being projected on their screens.

Over the last few years, I’ve learned something so important about my journey as a journalist: I can do this. And if I can do this, I can do anything.

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From dreaming of being able to work with those I see on my T-V Screens, to living that lifestyle, and making a difference one story at a time.

To late nights, and missed holidays with families and friends, to laughs, and tears, to successes and sometimes a not-so good show.

I’ve been placed in a position to provide assistance, motivate change in and showcase the people and unique places that make up the Holy City.

I learned.

I grew.

And for that, I’m thankful.

Thankful for brand new opportunities.

Thankful for a journey that opened my mind, and my heart.

No journey is perfect, or ever easy, but you must always find meaning in the path you walk.

So with that I say, cheers to a new chapter, and thank you to everyone I have met along this journey that has become my forever family.

Checking in -Millyrock and Blessings

Posted on July 19, 2016 by kdennis12

Checking in.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been around, chatting about any subject.

That’s because for the first time in a long time, I spent more time living and less time dreaming.

Representing the lowcountry well ❤ – Ann McGill, anchor at Live 5 news and I after a morning show

It’s been a crazy incredible two months since I’ve graduated from the University of South Carolina. Never would I have expected for my life to move so quickly. I’m honored that I even have the opportunity to do what I love day in and day out. And I’d like to think that the people I work with help me a great deal with making my job a bit easier.

Weekend morning crew: Meteorologist Sagay Galindo and Anchor Hannah Mosely

My executive producer, Chaunte Turner and I

Moving to the city of Charleston is a completely new beginning. Outside of the very few friends or people I know in the area, it’s a different lifestyle. I must say though, between the area being gorgeous and the food being to die for, I can’t complain. And only driving twenty minutes at the least to a beach isn’t so bad either.

I’m overwhelmed with all of the love and support that’s been given to me in the past month as well. From the love on social media, to the calls and texts. It truly means a lot that you believe in me as much as I’ve grown to really start believing in myself.

I’ve had to learn a lot of things coming into this new transition. The hardest being that not everything comes full circle as quickly as you imagine. I love my job, but my job is not the answer to all of my adulting responsibilities. It’s an addition and one that I’m lucky to love and not see as a job but as my career.

Learning how to choose what’s best for me and to be unapologetic about that is something that I’m learning how to do better.

You’ll find that life is a big game of compromise. Sometimes, it’s not always about you or what it is that you want, but what you can do that affects a larger platform.

With my career at Live 5 News, I’m reminded of how many people actually count on me a day. From the moment that I walk in, my anchors, directors, and production crew are all counting on ME to have an idea. An idea that leads to building a show. That show building leading to better direction for ways my production team can make my ideas come alive.

I’ll admit, I admire my positive outlook on things that I set out to do i general. But often times, I do get nervous. I do fall short sometimes. and I’m learning that in the end, that’s okay. I’m learning how to fully accept that perfect and the imperfect. The ups and the downs.

My life is a dream right now.

Everything that I could possibly ever want has fallen into my lap *cues Chance the Rapper’s Blessings.*

And yet, I understand that the journey does not end here.

It was placed on my heart and mind to tell anyone that’s been in a stagnant place to not ever underestimate the blessings that God has coming your way.

Much love,

“I Am Change,” T-shirts available now.

Posted on June 24, 2016 by kdennis12

Cheers to stepping outside of comfort zones and really making things happen within the community.

For the past few years, I have always tried to figure out ways that I could expand the conversation of news media through my communications platform: The Conqueror Movement. Many moments have presented themselves, and we’ve addressed many issues that hit close to home, such as the common stereotypes of the African American male, the natural hair movement and how it’s perceived to other cultures, and now the constant discussion of identity and representation of African Americans in news media (their portrayl, stories that often don’t get discussed, stories that aren’t discussed enough, misconceptions, etc.).

Many have also expressed to me that the platform needs a shirt – and people would actually wear it.

But, I wanted to do something different.

I wanted to create a message – a message that people could identify with and be proud of.

So, I reached out to one of my good friends, Devin Green who is a phenomenal graphic designed and illustrator who owns his own clothing company, Style Clothing Co

He created this vision for me based on what I expressed above and the current campaign I was leading “I Am Not My Skin”. Thus, “I am Change, I am not the Problem” was born.

This design was inspired by the voices of many who always seem like they have to explain the importance of their existence because of something as simple as race or gender.

This message couldn’t be more relevant, especially now. By challenging this notion that color tells a lot about who a person is, or gender, we defy what many people begin to call “reality” when it is simply not.

I am hoping that this will not be the end all, be all for The Conqueror Movement, and that we will continue to bring forth many different initiatives and opportunities for conversations like this to occur. This won’t be the last you see of the movement this year, but this is the start of what supporting the initiative looks like. Without you, growth won’t be possible. Invest in the local game changers and change makers.

To support the initiative of the Conqueror Movement by purchasing a t-shirt, click here.

Love,

Khadijah Dennis

New Content Posted + Stay Tuned!

Posted on September 30, 2015 by kdennis12

“You are your ancestor’s wildest dream.”

What does it take to start a revolution?

Work.

Passion.

A different way of thinking.

Community.

Over the past month I’ve observed a lot and have taken in a lot of valuable information that I could greatly use to impact my life and my profession. A huge part of what was learned is not being afraid to take on the very things that others won’t.

Just two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the founders of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Alicia Garza, and what a moment in time for me it was.

I was in Japan when the hashtag took over timelines all over the world. Having been back in the states for about a year now, it’s almost painful to think that a lot really hasn’t changed since then.

Garza spoke on various topics, but the main point that I took away was “these narratives are not new, but our conditions are.” We are a remake of history unfolding.

This story reminded me that this is only one of many more stories to talk about that represent our generation and the current motions we are going through as a collective. In the new stories that I’ve covered, you will see that shine through.

In addition, I’ve been on a bit of a writing journey through my transitional period, and I am opening myself up to all of you with new poetic pieces.

As usual, I am always open to comments or criticism. I enjoy what I do, and I really hope to just get better and better in my approaches of how I do things and the stories that I tell.

Thank you for your constant support in my endeavors. It really does make a difference.

P.S. Follow my brainchild, The Conqueror Movement (@conquerormovement) on Instagram for very important announcements within the next week!

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“The revolution will be televised.”

Because Life Is – Cheers to New Beginnings

Posted on August 28, 2015 by kdennis12

I feel like the year has started anew.

Coming back to the University of South Carolina, being in the midst of everyone I hadn’t seen in so long with a brand new mindset and purpose is one of the most amazing feelings you could ever have.

I remember, especially, just 3 years ago I was starting my undergraduate career as a student. Now, entering my 4th and final year at USC, I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’ve made and the work that I’ve done, but there is still so much work to be done.

One of the organizations that I was blessed to be apart of during my freshman year was Student Gamecock Television, a station run by students for students. I entered in with the mindset of being able to find my niche so that I could be good enough for TV and gaining skills that could allow me to one day make one cool videos. Now, my passion for this organization is far beyond what it could personally do for me, but more about how I can utilize the platform to help further allow other students to see their own passions.

I’m blessed to have found my family here.

There’s not one person in this organization that I don’t feel like I have a closeness with. I’m always looking for more and more ways to build relationships with individuals. This semester is no different. Now that my time is winding down, I really hope that everyone in this organization can adopt the same concept. If I’ve learned nothing else being in college, I realize that a big part of your success is attributed to the relationships you build.

With anything that you do, you must place focus on leaving a legacy behind. You have four years, and they go by extremely fast. Take control of the precious moments you have, and don’t be afraid to live a little in the process. It’s a journey. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve had, and the continuation of that.

Cheers to getting back to basics!

-KD

#BecauseLifeIs