Give Work A Chance Spotlight: Nkosi Barnes
Nkosi Barnes takes a break during his shift at Lexington Barbecue. {Contributed photo}
With our education system often limited in their abilities, there are a lot of opportunities for the community to step in to help uplift our youth and prepare them for the workforce.
At the next sporting event you attend, please try conducting this survey. Casually approach a group of students and ask them what they want to do with their life? The vast majority will look off into the horizon and squint their eyes as if they are looking into a future fog. This is your chance to help provide options to clarify the haze and their confusion. By assisting a young adult, you not only help them but also pay forward the kindness others showed you growing up.
Recently, Davidson Local staffer, Joel Leonard, conducted an interview with fellow Lexington Senior High School alum, Nkosi Barnes. The two discussed jobs, his plans for the future and Barnes grandfather, the late Juan “Churb” Small, who was classmates with Leonard.
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Regarding his initial introduction to Leonard, Barnes said “I met Job Coach Joel at a LSHS football game. He asked me what my future plans were and I told him I was interested in welding. That made him excited because he knew there were lots of livable wage jobs available in the area. Joel told me he graduated Class of ‘82 at LSHS and I asked him if he knew my grandfather. I had no idea how important he was to Joel.”
Leonard shared “I miss Churb (who passed in September 2022). He was a peacemaker in middle and high school and made me feel appreciated and respected. I felt I had to help his grandson advance his career forward.”
“Originally, Joel set up an interview with The Bradley Group and I was sent to Vitacost the next day,” recalled Barnes. “I worked in the outbound warehouse and picked up groceries for placement onto carts to be loaded to conveyor belts, packed and shipped out to area homes.
Leonard asked Barnes, “What did you like about the job?” Barnes replied, “I liked working 10 hour shifts and even got overtime pay some weeks.”
Barnes was also prompted about his experience working with The Bradley Group as his liaison. “I really liked working with The Bradley Group once they set up the jobs. They also were accessible to answer any questions once my assignment was over at Vitacost.”
Since their initial meeting, Leonard has arranged multiple job offers for the grandson of his classmate. Barnes noted Leonard has “helped me get an edge over others by guiding me to better paying jobs. He advised me to show up, take notes, follow company guidelines and whenever I need additional advice, don't hesitate to call.”
Leonard later discovered that Nkosi found a new vocation and is loving life!
To pay tribute to his grandfather’s love of grilling, Barnes now serves as a cook at the internationally renown Lexington Barbecue aka “The Monk.” At the restaurant, he will be building his culinary skills as he learns from professionals. Barnes is beyond excited as he’s earned enough to buy a car and is enjoying contributing to his new business family.
Lexington Barbecue owner, Rick Monk stated “Sometimes having someone who believes in you is the difference between winning and losing! Nkosi is a great young man and we are proud to have him on our team. Nkosi is getting all of the ingredients needed to grow his future with us!”
From Leonard: Don't we all need to help our youth get past their future fog by believing in and opening doors for them? Who can you help get a job? For our community to progress, we more need to pitch in and ‘Give Work A Chance’ to help give more workforce angels their wings (in Nkosi's case wheels) so more can prosper. Miss you Churb! Nkosi is working hard to make you proud!
During his time at work, Barnes is learning what it takes to be a pitmaster. {Contributed photo}
* Join us for the Davidson Local Give Work A Chance Job Fair
Thursday, August 24 from 3pm-7pm
Bull City Ciderworks
599 S. Railroad St. Lexington, NC 27292
Any businesses interested in participating, contact Joel Leonard at joelskilltv@gmail.com
