During 2021 Black History Month, we will feature Black families who reside in Winston County or some who have roots in the county. There will be two families per week. Readers will see the representation, identity and diversity of these black families. This week the Hopkins and Jernigans will be featured.
Ken Jernigan is the husband of Dr. Lakicha Jernigan, of 8 years, the father of Ken Kaysen Jernigan, II and the Late Lakenvian T. Jernigan, known as “KJ”, and the son of Mr. Oliver and Mrs. Gloria Jernigan, Louisville, MS. Ken grew up in a small neighborhood surrounded by family in Winston County outside of Louisville, MS most of his life. In school, Ken played football from seventh grade throughout his senior year. It remains to be his favorite sport. Ken started fishing with his dad at age four, and it is still one of his favorite things to do with him. He also deer hunts and rabbit hunt with his dad as well as his family. Those qualities, he hopes to pass on to his son. Currently, Ken and his family reside in Noxapater, MS.
According to Lakicha, “We were blessed a year and a half ago with a little boy that is the spark of the whole family. He was and is truly a blessing after a very tough year. He was the brightest spot after his oldest brother tragically lost his life. Also, this was the same time Ken started at Belhaven. He is thankful that he has stayed focused and nearing the end. This degree will be the most meaningful degree he could ever have.”
Ken’s life achievements are the following: Graduated from Louisville High School in 1999, started at East Central Community College in 1999 to major in Drafting for a year, but found a job and continued to work after not completing his degree. Fast forward in 2016, he went back to East Central Community College and majored in Business and graduated in 2018. He is thankful for the motivation from friends and family.
Ken and Lakicha are members of Mt. Bell M. B. Church, under the leadership of Dr. Anthony McIntosh. Ken has been a musician for over 20 years. One of the greatest joys for Ken is to continue to play music with his family. He has been blessed to have the talent passed from his family. Ken is currently a career-tech teacher at Louisville Winston Career Tech Center. He has been in this position for nearly a year. Before that, he was a recruiter for the adult education program at East Central Community College.
Ken has always enjoyed the opportunity to help anyone willing to receive it. He is thankful for the opportunity any chance he gets. Ken’s life has been filled with many ups and downs, but he is grateful for the journey. As he looks back on his journey, it gives him more strength and faith to continue pressing and paying it forward to whoever will take advantage of it. Ken’s only goal is to get better and go higher to bless other families.
Lakicha Jernigan is the daughter of Rev. Melvin and Mrs. Barbara Montgomery (Grenada, MS). Lakicha was born in Maben, MS, but grew up in Woodland, MS and Grenada, MS, where her parents taught school in the Grenada School District and her father is the Pastor of Faith & Grace M. B. Church, Grenada, MS. Lakicha graduated from Grenada High School in 1998. During her time in elementary, junior and high school, she played the saxophone in the band, was a cheerleader, and a scholar in academics.
Lakicha had the opportunity to work with musicians and choirs in the Grenada Baptist District, General Missionary Baptist State Convention and National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. Lakicha served as Minister of Music and Director in the city of Grenada for over 20 years. Lakicha serves as the Minister of Music and the Team Leader for the Pastor’s Aid Ministry at Mt. Bell. She and Ken enjoy playing music together for the church.
Lakicha has received the following degrees from Mississippi State University: Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership, Educational Specialist in Special Education, Master of Science in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology. Lakicha has worked in the Mental Health Field for 12 years. She is currently employed with Louisville Municipal School District as the Behavioral Specialist. She has been a mentor for students in the Louisville Municipal School District, as well as other surrounding areas. She is also the Certified Manager of Louisville/Winston County Excel By 5.
Lakicha is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. of the Clay County Alumnae Chapter, West Point, MS. Lakicha’s motto is: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Lakicha’s goal is to leave a legacy of Wealth and to Empower Families to become Leaders.
She made the following statement, “Family is important to us because the family is ordained of God and is central to His plan for our eternal happiness. Families are intended to help God’s children learn and grow in righteousness. Our son, Kaysen, has taught us a lot about life, values and patience. Our family is made strong through a number of factors. The most important one is of course love. You instantly think of unconditional love when you think of family. It is the first source of love you receive in your life. It teaches you the meaning of love, which you carry on forever in your heart. Secondly, we see that loyalty strengthens a family. When you have a family, you are devoted to them. You stick by them through the hard times and celebrate in their happy times. A family always supports and backs each other, and they stand up for each other. Most importantly, one of the things we have learned about each other is that family brings us together. For instance, we learn how to deal with the world through our family first. Family is our first school and it helps strengthens our bond. It gives us reason to stand by each other as we share the same values with our son, Kaysen. This little guy has brought us so much joy, happiness, and love to our entire family. We are looking forward to giving this little guy all the love, support and guidance to become successful in life. We know God has great things in store for him.”
The Jernigan enjoyed the 3 inches of snow that fell in Winston County last month. It was a joyous time for them to play in the snow with their ‘going on’ two year old son. He really enjoyed it and there were pictures of him running and tumbling in the snow on Facebook for all family and friends to see. The family also enjoyed cooking together for the Christmas holiday.
