#LongLiveThePostman - Keanna Picket reflects on D’Vonne Pickett Jr.’s legacy, shares how she has been moving forward on The Day With Trae
Entrepreneur and Community Leader Keanna Pickett joined The Day With Trae to talk about the legacy of her husband D’Vonne Pickett Jr., who was tragically murdered in October. She spoke about the ways she’s been channeling her grief into purpose, as well as how she plans to continue forward with her business, The Postman.
“D’Vonne and I really just did life together a lot,” Pickett said. “Having a mailbox store on our list just started working together and coming to fruition.”
The business that they started together turned into a Central District staple. The store services individuals and businesses with P.O. Boxes, package drop off, shipping support and other mail-related needs. The success that blossomed from the store has become iconic in the community.
“Until COVID hit, we didn’t realize we were essential to the community,” Pickett said. “Seeing everyone come in and becoming part of their daily lives, it just becomes purposeful and it becomes second nature. Just as much as the community needs us to connect with the outside world, we need them too.”
Trae also showed a clip from #BlackLove with Keanna and D’Vonne. In the clip, D’Vonne spoke about what makes Keanna so uniquely suited to run a business like the Postman as well as the special bond they share.
“When you birth a business, it’s almost like it becomes your baby. You have to take care of it like child and really nurse it,” Pickett said. “It was like we were the parents. We trusted each other to learn as we go.”
The process of continuing forward through the tragic loss hasn’t been easy for Pickett, but she has continued to move forward with her head held high.
“Every time I think about dropping my head, I remind myself to keep my head up and breathe fresh air,” Pickett said. “I have the reminders in my head. I have the experience and memories of many conversations with D’Vonne 24/7 for thirteen years, so I have a lot of time to reflect on that,” Pickett said.
Moving through the traumatic experience of D’Vonne being murdered in front of her has been a challenge. The community support has also played a key role in Pickett’s push forward as she continues both her and D’Vonne’s legacies.
“It was definitely overwhelming, re-opening the Postman last week, I cried a couple times but I have a great support system. I do feel their energy and I need it. I didn’t feel this by myself. It was felt worldwide because D’Vonne had so many connections,” Pickett said. “There’s times where it gets dark, but being an artist I try to transform and channel that energy into purpose.”
Part of that purpose is re-opening The Postman and providing that community space once again. After being closed for about a month, Pickett is excited to get back to work.
“I’m a perfectionist. As much as I was thinking about my own life, I was also thinking about my customers and helping them,” Pickett said.
With a staff of volunteers and experienced individuals, Pickett has been able to fall back into her routine within the store. She knows she is getting the resources and frameworks in place for continued success.
Through the entire experience, Keanna also has had to look out for her three children. She says she’s drawn as much from her children as they have from her.
“The day after D’Vonne was murdered, Papa looked at me and said ‘Daddy’s not gone, he’s in our hearts’, so he reminded me,” Pickett said. “But then when the game came up, he was shaking, and I was there to support him and tell him as much as you can do it give it your all.”
She encouraged everyone to recognize that when something like this happens, it’s up to everyone else to step in and provide that support system for the children.
“It takes a village,” Pickett said. “These young men need male figures in their life. You’re not replacing the father, but they need uncles and they need that energy.”
You can watch the full episode with Keanna Pickett above
Support children who have lost parents to gun violence in Washington State. The Postman is partnering with RISE to collect toys, clothes, books and gift cards to brighten the holiday season for kids who have lost their parents to gun violence.
