Oddkin Unite!

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 per 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

Tinayeshe Manyika (Artist) // Tinayeshe is a singer/songwriter based in Charlotte, whose music aims to connect a diverse group of people and draw them toward beauty, hope, and deeper connection. Listeners may recognize him from his songs I Am My Lover’s and My Lover Is Mine and Bear With Me, or from his collaboration with Sandra McCracken on Walk With Me. He curates shows that create space for intimacy, vulnerability, and communion—believing that in sharing himself with others, he is learning to find true joy. His debut album, Through the Valley, explores the ins and outs of that journey to joy and deep love, while his upcoming second album, Communion, invites listeners to join him in that ongoing journey. Outside of music, Tinayeshe enjoys pickleball, basketball, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Invincible, and a good hang.

IG, Tik Tok, YouTube: tinayeshe.k

Patreon: Tinayeshe

Reid Beaver (Caterer) // Reid’s journey with food began at age 8, when he was mesmerized by Great Chefs Around the World and the unapologetically Cajun charm of Justin Wilson. By 15, he was behind the line at Chili’s, and soon after, deep in the smoke of a BBQ pit, the precision of a butcher’s block, and the bustle of a Manhattan fish market. He’s served up wings at Lebowski’s and was offered a spot in the kitchen at Oceana in Manhattan — just before he pivoted from the kitchen to the courtroom.

Today, Reid is the Chief HR Officer at Central Piedmont, a former trial attorney, and an always-curious home cook. Though he traded the chaos of restaurant life for something more kid-friendly, his love for cooking never cooled. Instead, it grew into a global adventure—fueled by frequent trips to Super G, curiosity, and a deep respect for other cultures. From Turkmen plov to Ghanaian jollof, Reid chases authenticity with every dish.

Most importantly, he cooks with his three young sous-chefs (ages 10, 8, and 5), teaching them that food is service, food is story, and food is how we find each other.

Sherry Waters of The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary (Entrepreneur) // Sherry 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