Oddkin Unite gathers unlikely people together (“oddkin”) to share original art, food, and guided discussion. "Oddkin" is a term coined by Professor Donna Haraway who writes: "Staying with the trouble requires making oddkin; that is, we require each other in unexpected collaborations and combinations." At Kinship Plot, we believe in the power of art and food to facilitate joyful encounters and resonance across differences, and we believe in the power of the table, a place of mutuality which beckons us to receive others' stories and presence. We hope that participants of Oddkin Unite will be provoked to imagine and improvise generative and just ways to connect across differences in their own neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.

This gathering has spots for 24 people and is suitable for ages 14+. The evening will involve sharing a delicious meal, encountering original art commissioned and created specifically for this gathering, and engaging in guided conversation around the theme.

Tickets are just $15/person due to the generous support of Creo Arts!

About the featured creatives

Ranika Chaney (Facilitator) // Ranika is a Louisiana native and graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, where she earned her degree in Communications—Broadcast Journalism and Sociology. She is a certified Mental Health Coach and speaker for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau. As the founder of RanikaSpeaks, LLC., Ranika specializes in facilitating impactful events, panels, and discussions that foster connection, collaboration, and actionable outcomes. Affectionately known as the “conversation curator,” she uses her platform to create purpose-driven experiences that leave a lasting impact. Her inspiring journey—leaving a difficult marriage as a stay at home, homeschooling mom of 5 amazing children, eventually transitioning into tech, and building her own business after appearing on the Anthony O’Neal show—inspires much of her keynote speaking. Grounded in faith, she is committed to empowering others with love and hope, creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Instagram: @ranikaspeaks

Isaac Akanmu (Artist) // Isaac Akanmu is a Nigerian American from Staten Island, NY. Now living in Charlotte, Isaac was the recipient of the 2023 Charlotte GoodLit Fellowship. His poetry chapbook, not belonging anywhere, is available with Bottlecap Press (2022). His words also appear in The Westchester Review, Chestnut Review, and Posit Journal, among others.

Website: isaacakanmu.com

Instagram: @insteadofisaac

Chef Awo of Eh'Vivi (Caterer) // Chef Awo is the founder and executive chef of Eh’vivi (tasty) a Ghanaian pop-up dining experience in Charlotte, where she introduces and educates her guests on Ghanaian cuisine and indigenous ingredients. This she achieves through pairing familiar techniques with unfamiliar ingredients to create a gastronomy of culinary excellence at her pop-ups. Through Eh’vivi, her mission is to expand Ghanaian cuisine to the Charlotte food scene and beyond; her love and passion for sharing her culture through food and bringing Ghanaian food to the global stage drives her commitment to food sustainability and supporting local farmers. Whether piquing the interest of first-time guests who’ve never experienced the richness of West African food or delivering beloved favorites to those who have a deep connection to the culture, Awo consistently delivers a high-quality dining experience that delights in true Eh’vivi fashion.

Chef Awo has been named 2023 UPPYs Chef of The Year in the non-traditional category, 2024 Streatz Neighborhood Cookoff Champion and Ebony magazine named her one of the female chefs shifting the culinary scene in the south. Catch her at one of her multiple pop ups and indulge in the Eh’vivi experience.

Website: https://www.ehvivi.com

Instagram: @eh__vivi @awocooks

Sherry Waters of The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary (Entrepreneur) // Sherry Waters is a Social Entrepreneur & Personal Stewardship Practitioner who is passionate about increasing awareness on community stewardship and personal responsibility. She coaches individuals on being better stewards of everything with which they've been entrusted. Through IEnate, LLC, Sherry inspires others to use their talents, resources, and skills to live their lives serving others and the community. Sherry is also a Community Chaplain and interfaith Spiritual Director. She opened The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary - a sacred tea lounge cafe’ - in July 2019. A former clinical chaplain for Carolinas Healthcare System, Sherry infuses her spiritual care experiences as a chaplain and holistic integrative wellness support in the stewardship coaching and spiritual care that she provides.

Website: https://www.thepaulineteabar.com

Instagram: @thepaulineteabar