Picture a Southern storyteller who wove magic, mystery, and the complexities of Black and queer identity into every page—meet Randall Kenan! Born in 1963, this North Carolina native transformed American literature with his lyrical prose and unflinching exploration of race, sexuality, and the rural South. From his debut novel to his final stories, Kenan’s work invites readers into the heart of his fictional Tims Creek, a place as vibrant and haunting as Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha.
Kenan’s untimely death in 2020 left a void, but his stories continue to resonate, blending folklore, magical realism, and raw human emotion. Ready to discover a literary gem? Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable writer.
The Making of Randall Kenan
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Randall Kenan was just six weeks old when he moved to Chinquapin, North Carolina, a tiny rural town steeped in tobacco fields and tight-knit communities. Raised by his grandparents and great-aunt, Kenan soaked up the rhythms of Southern life, from church sermons to family tales. His love for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by comic books and literary giants like Toni Morrison. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he honed his craft, shifting from physics to creative writing under mentors like Max Steele. After graduating, Kenan landed at Random House, later moving to Alfred A. Knopf, where editing books sharpened his narrative skills.
Randall Kenan’s Unforgettable Stories
Kenan’s debut novel, A Visitation of Spirits (1989), introduced Tims Creek, a fictional North Carolina town where spirits and secrets intertwine. The story follows Horace Cross, a young Black man grappling with his sexuality and family expectations, blending magical realism with Southern gothic. Critics praised its depth, though it gained wider acclaim later. In 1992, Let the Dead Bury Their Dead, a short story collection, cemented Kenan’s reputation. Named a New York Times Notable Book, it wove folklore, humor, and history, earning nominations for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Kenan’s nonfiction shone just as brightly. Walking on Water: Black American Lives at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century (1999) chronicled his travels across the U.S. and Canada, collecting oral histories that captured the diversity of Black experiences. His 2007 book, The Fire This Time, paid homage to James Baldwin, a literary hero, exploring race and identity with sharp insight. Kenan’s final collection, If I Had Two Wings (2020), longlisted for the National Book Award, returned to Tims Creek with stories of miracles and human connection, showcasing his signature blend of wit and wonder.
His style—rich with Southern cadence, supernatural elements, and unflinching honesty—drew comparisons to Morrison and Baldwin. Kenan tackled heavy themes like historical trauma and alienation with a light touch, making his work both profound and accessible.
Why Randall Kenan Matters
Randall Kenan’s work broke barriers, offering a rare portrayal of Black and queer Southern life. His stories gave voice to those often marginalized, blending humor and heartache to challenge stereotypes. As a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, he mentored countless writers, particularly young Black and queer authors who saw him as a trailblazer. His awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Whiting Award, reflect his influence, but his true legacy lies in the readers and writers inspired by his courage and craft. Kenan’s Tims Creek remains a literary landmark, inviting new generations to explore its magic.
- Born: March 12, 1963, Brooklyn, New York
- Raised: Chinquapin, North Carolina
- Key Works: A Visitation of Spirits, Let the Dead Bury Their Dead, Walking on Water, If I Had Two Wings
- Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship, Whiting Award, Rome Prize
- Died: August 28, 2020
Snag Let the Dead Bury Their Dead or If I Had Two Wings and dive into Randall Kenan’s spellbinding Southern world! His stories are a journey you won’t forget.