Clinton’s diarist learned to value hard work
Janis Kearney is the daughter of sharecroppers, the late Thomas James “TJ” and Ethel Kearney, and one of 19 children who grew up in Gould.
As well, she is a southeast Arkansas author, Arkansas State Press writer and owner, and was President Bill Clinton’s diarist.
“I am a writer because of my dad’s masterful storytelling skills, and his generosity in sharing his life story with us. He taught us not only to read, write and count as toddlers; he taught us to dream, and believe in our dreams and, most importantly… to work toward them,” Kearney said.
Her parents demanded a great deal of their children.
“We worked to live up to their expectations. Because they demanded we work hard, we learned to work hard — as sharecroppers and as students. Because there was no way we would ever be able to compete with others with more, they made us understand that material wealth was fine if you had it; but life could be good even if you didn’t have it.
“I am certain that my life would not be filled with the rich experiences and love of learning that is still a part of who I am,” Kearney said.
Growing up in southeast Arkansas also shaped her.
“There is no doubt that if I’d grown up in Chicago’s South Side, I would be a different person, and certainly if I’d grown up with different parents. I can’t even imagine that,” she said.
Life in southeast Arkansas afforded her a certain freedom, even as racism and classism restricted her. As in
her life, Kearney always encourages her students to take advantage of any opportunities that cross their path.
There are two that most changed Kearney’s life, she said. The first included working with Daisy Bates at her newspaper, Arkansas State Press, and later buying the paper, and the second was working as President Clinton’s personal diarist.
“Both were opportunities that I had never dreamed could happen, but once they did, I knew without question it was a collision of fate,” Kearney said.