Mississippi Transplant: Brett Kenyon

"I’ve stayed because I believe that Mississippi has the potential to be just as attractive as any other state, and I want to be part of the generation that makes that happen."

What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? If you’re on TikTok, you may recognize Brett Kenyon from his informative dispatches on Mississippi politics, culture, history, voting information, and more. Brett was born in Pennsylvania, but for him, Mississippi is home for the long haul. “[T]his is where I met my wife, where my kids were born, where I bought my first house, and where I really discovered who I am and who I want to be.” Read on to learn what keeps Brett rooted in his chosen state.

Brett Kenyon at Mississippi’s Red Bluff.

Where are you from?

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA but have lived in Wilmington, NC, Miami, FL, Brevard, NC, and Greenville, SC, before settling here in Mississippi. 

When did you move to Mississippi and why did you move here?

I moved to Mississippi in the summer of 2003. My uncle Wynn Kenyon was a professor at Belhaven University, and his sons were my best friends, so I transferred to Belhaven and lived in their garage for my college years. 

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

Home has a gravitational pull. It doesn’t matter where you travel or how far you go, home is what pulls you back. Mississippi is home for me because this is where I met my wife, where my kids were born, where I bought my first house, and where I really discovered who I am and who I want to be. 

Brett and sons Bear and Emmett enjoy the St. Paddy’s Day Parade in Jackson.

What do you miss most about the place where you’re from?

I miss having a professional sports team, I miss the mountains, and I miss the colors of the leaves in the fall.

How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?

There are so many circles in Mississippi who have welcomed me. I’m incredibly grateful for the people I work with. I’ve met so many amazing people through the Mississippi arts community. And the community as a whole makes me feel welcome. Of course, the deepest roots come from family. My wife’s family and extended family (longtime Jackson residents) have made this place a home for me, and now that I have kids who are Mississippi natives, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. 

What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been here?

The weirdest assumption is that we don’t wear shoes down here, but anyone who thinks that obviously hasn’t encountered stickers or fire ants.

The other assumption is that Mississippians are lazy. First, you’d move a little slower too in one hundred degree weather and one hundred percent humidity, and second, anyone who says that hasn’t seen us after a storm rolls through. Mississippians are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever seen…we just know how to do it without getting heat stroke. 

Left: Brett fishes with sons Beck and Bear. Middle: Brett on a hike with sons Emmett and Bear. Right: Brett and his daughter Olivia at St. Richard's Father Daughter Dance

How has living in Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?

There was a stark lack of diversity when I lived up north, and that was a culture shock when I arrived here. But I’m so thankful for the wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives that I’ve been introduced to here. Like Faulkner said, I feel like I understand the world better having discovered Mississippi. 

What is something that you’ve learned about Mississippi only by living here? In what ways has Mississippi lived up to your expectations?

Where to start…I’ve discovered that Mississippians have music in their DNA. I’ve learned what an HBCU is and the incredible contributions they make to the world. I’ve learned what REAL food tastes like, how neighbors are supposed to treat each other, and what tornado season ACTUALLY means. I’ve learned so much about the civil rights struggle and how it’s still ongoing today. And I’ve learned how important it is for someone who looks like me to be on the right side of history.

Mississippi lived up to my expectations by having the friendliest, most giving people that I’ve ever met. There is no community I’d rather have at my back when disaster strikes. 

Have you ever thought about moving away? Does a sense of duty keep you rooted here?  Do you have a “tipping point”?

I have thought about moving. Pay in other states is often higher, laws are more progressive, and it does feel like there’s more to do in other places. But I’ve stayed because I believe that Mississippi has the potential to be just as attractive as any other state, and I want to be part of the generation that makes that happen.

The tipping point for me would be my ability to provide for my kids. If my wages in Mississippi or my work opportunities are no longer enough to provide, then I’d have to look at going somewhere else. But as long as I can pay the bills, I’ll be here. 

Brett and family at Bear’s baptism.

What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?

I wish the rest of the country understood that we’re not a red state—we’re a deep purple. One party may hold power at the moment, but that’s by a very slim majority. We have such a diversity of ideas and ideals. When those in power speak, they aren’t speaking for all Mississippians. 

Is there a Mississippi change-maker who you think everyone needs to know about?

I think Anna Wolfe has done an incredible job of representing the state with her investigative journalism. I hope she inspires a whole generation of investigative journalists.

If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?

Great question. I would love to see the city of Jackson reach its true potential. I’d invest a lot, if not all, in the capital city, creating a more walkable city (more sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths) and investing heavily in our public transit system to make it more accessible to all. I’d invest in our local artists—creating public sculptures, murals, and more to share our talent and history. And I’d do all I could to bring Farish Street back to its original glory.

If I had anything left over, I’d rebuild The Dock on the reservoir. I arrived here too late to experience it, and I’ve always regretted that. 

What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)

Where to start? On the community improvement side, the work of the Stewpot Opportunity Center is absolutely worth mentioning. And the work of local media like 16 WAPT is so vital to the capital and the state. I deeply respect the groups working so hard behind the scenes to improve our home—groups like the Fondren Renaissance Foundation and Keep Jackson Beautiful. Plus a shout-out to the group of volunteers trying to maintain the Mississippi River Basin Model.

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Brett Kenyon is a husband and father of four in Jackson, MS. He works as an Emmy-nominated creative director in broadcast media, is a published author, a professional musician, and an avid DIY enthusiast. He is a graduate of Belhaven University in Jackson, and enjoys backpacking, philosophy, and a good bourbon. His explorations and observations of Mississippi can be followed on TikTok at Papa Mississippi.