For the past five years, Kanon Kennedy has been a familiar and dependable presence at the MLK Center, where he serves as the MLK Center's lead part-time recreational coordinator with the City's Parks and Recreation Department. His role centers on maintaining the facility, ensuring programs run smoothly and keeping everyone who walks through the doors safe. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, Kanon says the job requires constant awareness. There is little downtime, as each day involves managing multiple moving parts and anticipating the unexpected. That attentiveness helps keep the center operating as a welcoming and respectful space for the community.
Creating Safe Spaces and Building Trust
Kanon takes pride in helping provide what he calls a “non-violence zone” — a reliable, safe place for kids and residents. In addition to overseeing daily operations, he supports after-school programming and youth athletics and frequently volunteers his time as a basketball coach. The trust he has built with families is what matters most. Parents have told him that his presence, alongside the broader team at the center, helps give them confidence their children are safe — a responsibility he takes seriously. Knowing families trust him with their kids, he said, motivates him to continue showing up and being present for the community.
Expanding Opportunities Through Programming
One of Kanon’s proudest accomplishments is helping bring new programming to the MLK Center. He is currently working to launch an after-school initiative called Free G.A.M.E in partnership with Navigational Studios and Game Changerz Athletics. Expected to begin later this year, the program will focus on middle- and high-school students and provide paid internship opportunities tied to individual interests. The program aims to support youth development in areas such as athletics, content creation and clothing brand development, while also helping students build professional skills and confidence. Kanon is also helping plan an end-of-the-school-year cookout, which he expects to be a large community celebration.
Beyond the Job Title
Outside of his City role, Kanon balances several creative pursuits. He owns a clothing line called Idiotic Genius, works as a photographer and serves as vice president and photographer for Game Changerz Athletics. He also partners with Navigational Studios, supporting photography and clothing brand development initiatives. Though he didn’t play basketball growing up, Kanon now coaches and credits the kids he works with for helping him improve.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Kanon is also contributing to the upcoming MLK Fun Day, assisting with setup, breakdown, crowd control and outreach. He helps coordinate sponsors and giveaways, makes phone calls, sends emails and often rallies kids to lend a hand — all of which helps the event run smoothly. His advice for anyone interested in working for the City is simple: be patient, adaptable and ready to pivot. Kanon says his passion comes from his love for the community and the youth he serves. As the MLK Center continues to grow, he believes its success reflects a collective effort, and that it truly takes a village to help kids thrive.