Our Roots

KST (kist) Network is a Newark NJ based media platform founded in 2022 by our CEO/Executive Producer Khadiyah Sadaatu Thomas.​

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After graduating from New Jersey City University with a degree in TV/Film Production, Khadiyah built her career across television, documentary, digital, and branded productions, working with Nickelodeon, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Pure Motion Pictures, and the Emmy Award-winning Dream Play Media.

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She is the creator of Newark Up Close, a documentary series that turns the lens toward the artists, entrepreneurs, spaces, and everyday people shaping Newark in real time. Her work starts at home, but speaks to larger stories across the Black diaspora, community, identity, and culture.

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Through KST Network, Khadiyah is curating a new lane of cinematic productions with a seaoned roster of film industry creators to create work that feel intentional, visually bold, and deeply connected to the culture, with work expanding from Newark to communities across the country.

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