The name Kenny Burns is associated with several big labels—Hennessy, Heineken, DeLeón, Ciroc, and more. However, the most impactful moniker in his business portfolio to date is Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey , named after the first Black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. In 2018, Kenny Burns joined Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver to help amplify the little-known history story behind the brand: Green, a slave, taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey , which later became Jack Daniel’s. “I’m one of the first investors,” Burns told AfroTech. “I’m the biggest ambassador for the Nearest, but at the same time, I’m an owner, so I’m very active, whether it’s using my likeness or leveraging my relationships. I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure this is the biggest story ever. And whiskey.” A son of Washington, D.C., Burns is an ever-present figure in the entertainment industry. His success began in the Atlanta party scene where he married his hustle, personality, and marketing...