Comedian Donnell "Dink" Kearney, Brings Non-Stop Laughter to a Hurting World With “Ghettoracuhi”!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Who are you, what do you do, and give me a brief history of your background and how you got started.

I’m married and have six children (four boys and two girls) and two granddaughters. My government name is Donnell Kearney, but I go by my nickname Dink. I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina most of my life, and was the son of a Marine. I graduated from North Carolina Central University in 2000 with a degree in History with a concentration in Mass Communications and Journalism, and a Master's from North Carolina State University in Counseling Education in 2003.

In addition, I use my stage name, “Ghettoracuhi”, as a comedian. Further, I am a veteran of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and I am basically focusing on my book, “The Sparrow Will Fly, and being a comedian.

When it comes to how I got started with my book, I’ve always wanted to be an author, even as a child. I had a wild and creative imagination and would write stories about the things in my head. In 2010, I took this writing course at the Institute of Children’s Literature and wrote a short story about a little boy in church dealing with cancer.

Although the young boy had cancer, he was very happy, singing the praises of the Lord, and didn’t seem fazed by having cancer. At that moment, the choir sang Mahalia Jackson’s song, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”. That song sparked inspiration in me to write the book, “The Sparrow Will Fly”. I knew God was talking to me and he wanted me to write an inspiring and positive story about someone fighting cancer but not allowing cancer to overtake and control them.

I have been a stand-up comedian for five years now and have a comedy special called "Ghettoracuhi". It is available on Amazon Prime and can also be heard on Pandora and Spotify. I am also the host of the Liquor House Comedy Show, which is broadcast on Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, and Roku.TV, Google Play, and can be heard on Spotify and Pandora. It can be viewed in over 160 English-speaking countries.

What was the most memorable moment of your career?

The most memorable moment of my career was the release of my book and my first comedy special. Those events highlight my career because they were always long-term goals and dreams I used to dream about.

What was your most challenging moment and tell me about any opposition you’ve encountered on your career journey?

The most challenging moment has been getting the exposure for my book. Unless you’re a famous person or a wealthy one, it’s very challenging to get your book the exposure that it needs. As a result, you need a lot of money to promote your book to get the maximum exposure it needs. You can have the best book in the world, but if nobody knows about it, then it won’t get read and serve its purpose. The same goes for my standup comedy special and comedy career. You have to be seen and develop a fan base so that your career can take off.

I have encountered opposition in the comedy game, mostly from people who are just "haters". They disliked me because I had a comedy special after only performing stand-up for two and a half years. They also hated the fact that I'm the host of a very popular comedy show called "Liquor House Comedy" and an actor with a growing fan base. I come from a military background where teamwork is crucial to achieving goals and working as one. Unfortunately, I don't see this team spirit in the comedy game. Furthermore, there is pressure from some people to change and be someone else or do something that goes against my moral values. However, I will never compromise my integrity or moral compass for fame or fortune.

Who are your influences and what was/is your motivation?

My influences were my grandparents, and currently my parents. My late grandparents instilled in me that self-motivation, self-confidence; consistent work ethic, and belief in God were the keys to success. My late grandfather Hubert Kearney used to always tell me “Life is what you make it! What you put into life is what you get out of life! You put nothing in life and you won’t get anything in life!” That has stayed with me since I was a child. My grandmothers said similar things, but one thing was consistent, and that was hard work will beat good talent any day.

My motivation is to use my God-given talent to its maximum so that I can I can inspire my children, nieces, nephews, and others. Besides, I want to be the instrument that God uses to carry out his will. Being an author and a comedian are bigger than me and serve a purposeful meaning for God.

What compromises have you had to make regarding your career choice?

I have had to sacrifice time with my wife and children and honestly, that hurts to its core because my wife and children are missing precious moments with them as a family because I’m always busy and gone. That’s why I go so hard to be successful so that in the new future, I will have the time to spend time with my wife and children.

Do you consider yourself a role model to this younger generation? If so how?

First and foremost, I consider myself a role model to my children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other young family members because they all look up to me and I need to set a good example of what a man, especially a Black man, is supposed to be by my behavior. I’m not perfect at all, but I’m successful and want them to see me successful as a husband, father, grandfather, hard worker, and someone who came from humble beginnings to achieve his goals.

This goes for the younger generation, too, because there aren’t enough role models for young Black children and teens. These children are impressionable and want to emulate what they see on television. However, it’s up to me and others to show them that it’s only entertainment, but if you look over here, you can see me and others who are authors, lawyers, philanthropists, and volunteers who are doing positive things in their community. I show this example by volunteering at the Red Cross, helping at church, and being a mentor.

Have you ever had to compromise your moral values for success?

I have never had to compromise my moral values for success and will never compromise them either. My goal is to own everything I do. That way I’ll avoid that devilish deal altogether.

What are some of the life lessons you have learned while in pursuance of your lifelong dreams?

I have learned that your journey is the journey that God developed specifically for you because God knows the process that you’re going to go through to be the person He molded you to be, just like He did when he created us to his image. Therefore, I follow the footsteps of the journey God has led for me because I know at the end of the journey, God will be there smiling. After all, I’ve completed what was asked and designed for me.

How has COVID-19 positively affected your career?

It allowed me to appreciate the success I have because so many people were able to watch my standup comedy special and order my book. Plus, I have had the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and children.

Tell us about your current and future projects.

As of right now, I’m currently filming an urban drama titled “Messy”, I’m filming for a reality show (where I’m one of the main characters) titled “Real Comedians”, I’m filming skits titled “3 Comedians with ideas”, and another program titled “Ask a comedian”. In addition, I’m the co-host of the Liquor House Comedy Radio show that airs every Wednesday at 7 pm. I go LIVE from Facebook.

What steps does someone have to take to reach their greatest potential?

First, they must believe in themselves, work consistently, and form a team around them that genuinely sees their vision and wants to help them achieve their goals and promote them to nausea. Because when opportunity meets preparation, you will be ready. Trust me. Trust me.

What advice would you like to give those traveling in the same direction as yourself?

I will tell them to trust the process, believe in themselves, find a team/supporting cast, and never give up on their dreams because dreams are to be attained and conquered for our self-fulfillment.

END OF INTERVIEW