CofC Faces to Know: Kenneth Johnson II

Name: Kenneth L. Johnson II

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Education/Background: I earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 2013. I earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Florida State University, with a concentration in African American Literary and Cultural Studies, in 2016 and 2021, respectively.

Job title: Assistant Professor of African American Literature

How long have you worked at the College? I joined the faculty at CofC in August 2022.

What are your job responsibilities? Primarily, I teach courses dealing with African American literature and culture, but I also teach American Literature and First-Year Writing courses.

What do you like most about your job? I love engaging with students and seeing their minds expand! I’ve known since college I’d be an educator in some sense, but seeing lightbulb moments and having critical, meaningful conversations with students is the most rewarding part. I also really love to write and research new things – the production of new ideas/knowledge/theories is so cool. lol

What question do you get asked most in your job and what’s your typical answer? Funny enough, “Do you like your job?” And, yes, I do!

What’s your favorite location on campus and why? Addlestone is really nice – I mean, libraries in general are amazing places! To go along with that, I love Rivers Green, especially on sunny days with a cool breeze. BUT, I might have to say it’s a tie between Avery and Halsey. I feel so inspired around art and history, and being in places that archive them both is where I like to be. Plus, the events and exhibitions are usually the highlights of my semester. And their staff members are some of the best on campus!

What are your hobbies? I am a freelance graphic designer, so I spend a decent amount of time doing that. It gives my analytical brain a bit of a break while also using those skills in creative ways. I also love trying new coffee shops to find the best lattes and matcha. I am working on exploring the city a bit more this year because I love culture, art, museums, etc. I am always mentally planning my future bookstore so I can combine my love for books, art, live music, coffee and interior design in one.

What personal and/or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? I organized the State of Black CofC Summit that happened in February 2025, and I am so proud that I could create a safe space on campus for faculty, students and staff to engage in dynamic and impactful conversations. It had over 100 registrants and attendees, and I’m hoping to continue to build on that event in the future.

Name a creative work (book, movie, performance, etc.) you enjoyed recently and why? I went to see Alvin Ailey in February and … wow! If you’ve never seen Ailey perform, you’re depriving yourself of a truly transformational experience. There are so many iconic pieces of choreography that I’ve seen bits and pieces of, but never in their entirety. Being there was awe-inspiring! I also really loved binge watching Paradise on Hulu – episode 7!! FANTASTIC television!

What was your favorite TV show growing up? It’s hard to choose one show; there were a few that are core memories at different points in life. I loved Barney & Friends and Lamb Chop’s Play-Along, which transitioned to My Brother and Me and Taina, which shifted to The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers.

What’s next on your bucket list? I’ve been wanting to go to Toronto for years and I’m amped that the 2026 MLA Convention is there! I can’t wait! It’s going to be FREEZING in January, though! I also want to take a trip to stay at a Getaway House. They’re these small cabins in the woods that invite you to disconnect and relax, and I feel like I really need that.

What is something your campus colleagues would be surprised to know about you? I have a goal of creating my own fragrance line – parfums and candles.

What was your first job? I was a cook at a Sonic drive-in, and – as much as I wanted to at times – I never delivered food on skates. I can skate, but that felt like such a risky job to have.

What’s your favorite Lowcountry restaurant? I really like Lenoir; however, not many places have better food than the Piggly Wiggly in West Ashley. I’ll put them up against A LOT of places I’ve been.

Describe your perfect day: I’d wake up to a freshly clean apartment; the temperature in my apartment would be an even 72 degrees. I’d light a candle and turn on Channel Orange by Frank Ocean. I’d put on clothes (and my Wales Bonner Adidas Sambas) and meet my friends for brunch with bottomless mimosas. After brunch we’ll bumble around town – the record store, Sephora to stock up on skincare products and grab a new fragrance, the Gibbes Museum, iced vanilla oat milk matcha and a pastry at La Pâtisserie on King, a candle-making class at Candlefish. I’d go home and watch a few MCM house tours on YouTube before getting dressed to head to dinner. I’ll grab a couple of cookies from Insomnia, come home, do skincare and go to bed. And hopefully do it again the next day.

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