WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

CDK is a local radio personality, nationwide event curator, and celebrity host for some of the biggest hip-hop and R&B concerts worldwide. His organization, CDK Cares, was planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner in Greensboro. “I need your help, Busta, give me a call,” CDK’s text read. I called him immediately.

He explained, “I’m organizing a Thanksgiving dinner for 80 homeless students and their families at Bessemer Elementary and I need your assistance,” he said with passion and sincerity.

I asked CDK what he needed me to do and it would be done. “I need meats!  Lots of meats!” I asked him to send me a list of what he needed and I immediately made some phone calls. 

CDK’s passion for giving back is undeniable and when he reached out, I couldn’t say no. The need for meats was urgent. I knew I had to pull something together, so I quickly got in touch with my good friend, Gene Woodle, who is the executive director of Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Asheboro. Within seconds, we had Gene’s commitment. 

“Say no more, Busta, I got you. CDK seems like a great young man,” he said. Gene committed to providing plenty of boxes of chicken and sides.

CDK’s team had already secured fixings and sides for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. They set up the space to ensure every detail would be perfect. I was truly honored that he asked my youth organization, New Cool Movement, to join him for such a wonderful occasion. 

He shared with me about the heartwarming event Bessemer Elementary had held for those same students last year during the Christmas holiday.  “They set up the whole counselor’s office like a toy store, and they had some of these kids that couldn’t get toys for Christmas come through the counselor’s office and get toys. 

“So, they said for Thanksgiving, let’s try to do meals and involve the family. I really want to focus on conversation and connection. I want people to feel welcome to come down, sit with their families, and enjoy a meal together. We’re not always sure if, on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, they’ll have that opportunity. I was so excited to see everyone come together and connect,” said CDK. 

When the families arrived, there was a sense of gratitude and community in the air. CDK made sure each family felt special, as we all served meals, mingled with the students and their families, and took the time to make personal connections. His love for Bessemer and his mission to uplift those in need was a beautiful moment to see. I admire young Black men who understand that there is strength in kindness. 

“When I think of CDK, I think, Amazing! CDK is an awesome young man with such a big heart for all he meets, but especially children,” shared Tanya Dixon, who is the school counselor at Bessemer.

Tanya continues to give CDK some well-deserved praise. “The most memorable occasion I can recall is our Career Day event in 2023, when CDK invited one of our special needs students on stage as our ‘Career Hero.’ To witness the passion CDK showed toward our student and the way he allowed him to shine throughout the event left tears in the eyes of his teachers. Seeing the student’s smile and dance moves brought his little world to life, and it was truly an unforgettable moment.”

The Thanksgiving dinner was a resounding success! Not only did the families get a hot meal and some well-deserved love, but they also left with full hearts, knowing that there’s a community that cares. 

As I watched CDK interact with the families, I realized that this event was more than just a dinner; it was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to help one another.

I asked CDK what impact he wants this wonderful moment to have on the community. “I believe we need to continue strengthening our partnership with the community and bring more events to the school. After dinner, we have the holiday season coming up, and it’s a great opportunity to do more. Any event we can organize to support our students and connect with the community, we should embrace. Without the support of our community partners like you, Busta, and others, many of these experiences would never be possible for our kids. Let’s keep it going!”

As for the impact he wants the Thanksgiving dinner to have on the students and their families, he said, “I want to make sure that they understand that this wasn’t a pity party, but a true family celebration. I want people to sit down, have conversations, and enjoy being together. It should feel like a celebration, with open arms, hugs, and the joy of being with loved ones,” he said with a warm spirit. 

As I watched CDK’s team, New Cool Movement, and the staff at Bessemer Elementary serving those beautiful students and their families, God made it crystal clear that the focus shouldn’t be about what’s missing, like not having enough food, or wondering what to do on Thursday. Thanksgiving is about connection and togetherness.

I asked the 26-year-old entertainer to reflect on his amazing accomplishment. “When I’m interacting with people, I always want to make sure that I never take for granted what we have in that moment. In life, especially for entertainers, we often focus on what’s next, what can I do to improve, what’s the next milestone? In today’s society, people are constantly thinking about the next promotion, the next race, or the next big thing. But we often forget to reflect on where we were six months ago when we prayed or hoped to be where we are now. It’s important to take a step back, appreciate the journey, and truly savor the present. We should relish these moments, because they’re the result of the hard work and growth we’ve already achieved.”

My Phenomenal Person of the Week is Christian “CDK on the Mic” Kornegay.