Posted February 26, 2018
By Jordyn Seibles, junior journalism student
Reprinted from InterCom. Photos provided by Khadijah Dennis
Before honing her skills as a School of Journalism and Mass Communications student, Khadijah Dennis discovered her knack for telling stories as a contributing writer for The News, a newspaper in the tiny town of Kingstree, South Carolina. The 2016 broadcast journalism alumna now works as an evening producer at WCSC-TV Live 5 News in Charleston. But she also has a second career: spotlighting the accomplishments of people of color through The Conqueror Movement.
Founded in 2012, The Conqueror Movement gives young, black creative and professional individuals, primarily from the Carolinas, a platform to help establish their brand. Her team consults with clients to organize their ideas into events and products with the goal of taking their careers to the next level. They also promote clients through social media and online features including monthly interviews on The Conqueror Movement’s website, weekly #WhoToWatch features on social media and event promotion services. The project celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, and marked the occasion with a celebration titled, “A Moment for Life: The Blackout Edition.” In the future, Dennis says she plans to charge for her team’s services.
Dennis credits her “passion for journalism and media” for inspiring the movement. What separates her project from others, she says, is its activism and willingness to speak out about racism. The occasional networking mixers have helped, too.
Art Farlowe served as Dennis’ academic adviser and University 101 instructor. “I’m not at all surprised to see her succeed and knew she would be successful from day one,” Farlowe said.
For Dennis, her education at the university is what gave her the confidence and tools to focus on what she needed to do for her career. “If it wasn’t for USC I really don’t think that the Conqueror Movement would be where it is. And I definitely don’t think that I would be where I am, professionally. I think that a part of living is going through trial and error and really just experiencing everything.”