Shawn Kennedy

Shawn Kennedy, a Morehouse College alumnus and accomplished entrepreneur, has built a strong track record in retail, hospitality, and real estate. After launching multiple retail stores and founding Brevard Hospitality Group in Charlotte, he established Kennedy Properties in 2009, growing it into a portfolio of more than 80 affordable rental homes across the Carolinas. In 2020, he co-founded Prosperity Alliance, which is currently developing over 300 affordable for-sale homes. With decades of experience in property development and a commitment to community impact through nonprofits like MiCo and Impact Camp, Mr. Kennedy continues to shape both neighborhoods and lives.

About Me

THE REBIRTH OF THE EXCELSIOR CLUB

Once the heartbeat of Charlotte’s Black social and cultural scene, The Excelsior Club is being reborn—not just as a building, but as a beacon of history, pride, and progress. Established in 1944 by visionary entrepreneur Jimmie McKee, the club stood as a sanctuary during segregation, welcoming Black professionals, artists, politicians, and community leaders to gather, celebrate, and organize.Now, after years of uncertainty,

Lucille’s Kitchen

Lucille’s Kitchen is a soulful culinary venture dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Charlotte’s Westside. Inspired by generations of family recipes and the warmth of home-cooked meals, Lucille’s Kitchen provides affordable, fully equipped space for entrepreneurs; who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to launch their culinary dreams due to financial barriers. Lucille’s Kitchen offers a dining experience that brings people together through food made with love, heritage, and heart.

The project encompasses the development of a vibrant and welcoming restaurant space, a curated menu featuring classic Southern dishes, and a commitment to bring real food options to a food desert, with healthy takeout concepts. Lucille’s Kitchen aims to assist entrepreneurs in the culinary arts open brick-and-mortar locations in the very community they’re from.

Lucille’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hub where stories are shared over hearty meals, and where cultural roots are honored through culinary expression. Whether it’s a weekday lunch, a family gathering, or a special celebration, Lucille’s Kitchen is here to feed both the body, spirit and soul.