Atlanta’s Ke’nekt Cooperative: Expanding a Community Hub
In Atlanta’s vibrant Westview neighborhood, the Ke’nekt Cooperative stands as a beacon of community connection and entrepreneurial spirit. Founder Kiyomi Rollins envisions a significant expansion, promising to further solidify its role as a vital “third space” for residents. This growth aims to empower Black businesses and address environmental and social injustices within the community.
A Heart for Community: The Ke’nekt Cooperative’s Roots
Stepping into the Ke’nekt Cooperative, visitors are immediately greeted with a sense of joy and the inviting aroma of fresh lattes. This unique space, described by founder Kiyomi Rollins as a “third space where the community gathers to exchange ideas,” is deeply committed to preserving the neighborhood’s history and character. A poignant example is its free library, dedicated in honor of Jeffrey Mathis, one of the young victims of the Atlanta child murders, serving as a unique memorial.
Born from Resilience: A Response to Displacement
The creation of Ke’nekt Cooperative in August 2019 was, for Rollins, a “trauma response.” Six years prior, her popular family business, The Good Hair Shop, was evicted amidst discussions about protecting Black-owned businesses from displacement due to developments like the West End Mall. Almost immediately, with strong community support, Ke’nekt emerged. It swiftly became a crucial hub during the pandemic, hosting COVID food drives, offering small business opportunities, and providing a safe place for gathering. Community members like Ann Hill Bond praise it for the “sisterhood,” “connection,” “gathering,” and “rest” it provides, while Nikki Porcher cherishes it as a walkable “community space… where I can feel like I’m at home away from my home,” especially in a rapidly transforming city.
Envisioning the Future: Atlanta’s First Black-Owned Eco-Resilience District
The Ke’nekt Cooperative is not just maintaining its presence; it’s looking to a groundbreaking future. In February 2026, the cooperative will break ground on an acre of land acquired just up the street. This ambitious project aims to construct what Rollins calls the first Black-owned commercial eco-resilience district, a direct response to persistent environmental and social injustices.
Addressing Injustice Through Sustainable Development
Rollins highlights a stark reality: “There is a data point that says living in zone 4, 30310 zip code, this zip code, that my life expectancy is 64, versus if I just lived in Buckhead.” The new development is designed to combat such disparities, featuring a comprehensive array of facilities. Plans include a performing arts space, therapy office, gym, affordable commercial real estate, and ten micro-housing units across the street, among other amenities. Rollins proudly declares, “This is our land. I love it,” embodying the spirit of self-determination and community empowerment.
Local Disparities: Life Expectancy Snapshot
The expansion of Ke’nekt Cooperative directly confronts significant local disparities, as highlighted by Kiyomi Rollins:
| Neighborhood/Zip Code | Approximate Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Westview (30310) | 64 years |
| Buckhead (Comparison) | Significantly Higher |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ke’nekt Cooperative
- What is the Ke’nekt Cooperative?
It’s a vibrant community gathering space in Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood, founded by Kiyomi Rollins, focused on connection, history preservation, and supporting Black entrepreneurship. It notably hosts a free library memorializing Jeffrey Mathis. - Who is Kiyomi Rollins?
Kiyomi Rollins is the visionary founder of the Ke’nekt Cooperative. She created the space as a “trauma response” after her previous business was displaced, emphasizing community-led development. - What is the new “eco-resilience district”?
This is the planned expansion of the Ke’nekt Cooperative, set to break ground in February 2026. It aims to be Atlanta’s first Black-owned commercial eco-resilience district, addressing environmental and social injustice. - What facilities will the expansion include?
The plans for the new acre include a performing arts space, therapy office, gym, affordable commercial real estate, and ten micro-housing units, among other features, to serve the community comprehensively. - How does Ke’nekt Cooperative support the Westview community?
Beyond being a gathering place, it has hosted COVID food drives, offered small business opportunities, and provides a crucial sense of “sisterhood” and “connection,” acting as a home away from home for many residents.
The expansion of the Ke’nekt Cooperative signifies more than just a new building; it represents a powerful act of community self-determination and a concrete step towards a more equitable and resilient future for Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood. Support local initiatives like Ke’nekt to help cultivate thriving, historically rooted communities.
Atlanta Ke’nekt Cooperative Expanding Community Hub
