User:KeithJosefAdkins

Keith Josef Adkins
Keith Josef Adkins
Born	Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Occupation	Writer, Artistic Director
Alma mater	BA Wright State University MFA Iowa Playwrights Workshop
Notable awards	Helen Merrill Award (2015)

Keith Josef Adkins is an American playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, genealogist, and social commentator. Known for his powerful explorations of African American history and identity, Adkins has written extensively for stage, television, and film. He is also the founder and artistic director of The New Black Fest, an organization dedicated to supporting new and diverse Black voices in theater. In addition to his creative work, Adkins is a dedicated genealogist who has contributed research to a special Finding Your Roots segment with Skip Gates for Keith's third cousin, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

Early Life and Family Background

Keith Josef Adkins was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest of three boys. His paternal side of the family originates in Crawfordville, Georgia, where both his paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were born. His paternal great-grandfather attended Morehouse College and became a Baptist minister, as did his paternal grandfather, who was also close friends with Civil Rights Leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth during his tenure as pastor at Greater New Light Baptist Church in Cincinnati. Keith is also related to Shepherd Peek, the great-great grandfather of former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was the first Black man to own a cotton gin in Georgia and who also served on the Georgia State Legislature during Reconstruction.

On his mother's side, Adkins descends from free people of color who have lived in northern Kentucky since the late 1780s. Among his ancestors is Black abolitionist Charity Southgate of Falmouth, Kentucky, who fought the Kentucky courts from 1824 to 1844 to obtain her free status, knowing that she was legally born free as the daughter of a white woman. This rich history of activism and resistance continues to influence Adkins’ work.

Adkins developed an early interest in storytelling, which led him to study broadcast journalism at Wright State University. During his undergraduate years, he interned at a local NBC affiliate, gaining hands-on experience in the newsroom. To make ends meet, Adkins also worked as a model and actor, appearing in local print ads and commercials, including a spot for Hudephol beer.

CAREER

Theater

Keith Josef Adkins is an accomplished playwright whose works explore the intersections of race, history, and identity. His play The People Before the Park examines the lives of Black and Irish immigrants displaced from Seneca Village to create Central Park, offering a complex portrait of gentrification and erasure. His play Safe House, set in northern Kentucky, delves into the lives of a free Black family before the Civil War and had its world premiere at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Adkins also wrote The West End, which tells the story of a Georgia-born woman who, during the Great Migration, moves to Cincinnati to forge a new life and escape her troubled past, only to find that her troubles follow her. The West End had its world premiere at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and was a finalist for the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) New Play Award.

In The Last Saint on Sugar Hill, Adkins captures the struggles of a family in Harlem trying to maintain their legacy in the face of gentrification. This play premiered at the National Black Theatre in New York City. His play Pitbulls, set in rural Appalachia, follows the journey of a Black woman and her son as they try to clear their names after being accused of killing a prize-winning pitbull; it premiered at Rattlestick Theater in New York City.

In 2010, Adkins founded The New Black Fest to nurture and commission new plays by Black playwrights, creating a space for fresh perspectives on Black life. The organization was in residence at the Lark Play Development Center in New York City for six years. During this time, Adkins commissioned playwrights whose works were published in social justice anthologies by by Samuel French twice. A third publication, which includes plays commissioned by the Apollo Theater through a grant from the Black Seed Fund, was recently released, further solidifying The New Black Fest's impact on contemporary Black theater.

Television and Film

Adkins has also made significant contributions to television and film. He has written for acclaimed television series, including Girlfriends on the CW, P-Valley on Starz, Accused on Fox, Outer Banks on Netflix, and The Good Fight on Paramount+. His work in television is known for its ability to tell complex, nuanced stories that reflect the diverse experiences of Black communities in America.

In addition to his television writing, Adkins has developed numerous high-profile television projects. He has worked with J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot, Regina King’s Royal Ties, and Netflix to bring fresh Black narratives to the screen. Adkins has also collaborated with Don Cheadle and Steven Soderbergh to develop and sell a series to HBO, underscoring his versatility and talent as a writer.

In the world of film, Adkins co-wrote the horror movie Run Sweetheart Run, which is available on Amazon Prime. His diverse body of work continues to push boundaries in both theater and screenwriting.

Social Commentary and Genealogy

As an original blogger for TheRoot, Adkins has contributed incisive social commentary on issues of race, culture, and politics. His perspectives have also been featured on NPR and the BBC, where he has discussed the impact of systemic racism and the role of Black creatives in shaping cultural narratives.

Beyond his work on the special segment of Finding Your Roots, Adkins has provided genealogical research and support to biographers and historical societies, helping illuminate the stories of African American families and their contributions to American history. His genealogical research has helped over 70 Black families trace their roots and uncover vital aspects of their ancestral history.

Awards and Recognition

Keith Josef Adkins has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to theater, television, and film. His accolades include the prestigious Helen Merrill Playwriting Award, Samuel French’s inaugural Award for Impact and Activism in the Theater Community, and the National Black Theater’s Teer Spirit Award. His commitment to creating powerful, thought-provoking narratives continues to earn him recognition and praise within the arts community.

Personal Life

Keith Josef Adkins has lived in various cities across the United States, including San Francisco, Oakland (where he was a fourth-grade teacher and spoken word artist), Laramie, Wyoming, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles. He currently resides in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he continues his work as a writer and genealogist, while also supporting Black playwrights through The New Black Fest.