The Beauty of Charleston can be found in the kindness of the homeless
Written by Loretta Jophlin
A Thank you To Byron
I had been very lucky up until that moment. Nothing truly bad had ever happened to me. I have never been beaten, raped or murdered. All of that was about to change.
“Just open the door.” My attacker squeezed the back of my neck and pressed his body against mine, wedging me against the door. I knew who he was: the man who had been bothering me all night at Capone’s, the bar around the corner from my apartment.
A scream caught in my throat and he ripped the keys out of my hand and began jamming them into the lock. I knew I had just a few seconds to get out of the situation and finally my screams echoed up King Street and down Burns Lane. He grabbed my pony tail twisting my neck, but I managed to scrambled away, leaving him with a handful of my hair. By the time I could turn around, my attacker was no longer behind me, but being dragged down King Street and onto Burns Lane by a large, black man. That man’s name was Byron Knight. I ran inside and locked myself in my studio apartment, hysterically sobbing while Bryon beat my perpetrator with his fists behind a garbage dumpster.
Byron was a fixture on King Street in the late 1990’s to 2000’s. Well known for panhandling to scrape up enough money for a single cigarette or a hot dog from King Street Station, few know about the good deeds he did. Byron saved me that night, from certain doom. I cannot say where I would be today if Byron had not intervened. My next encounter with Byron, I sheepishly gave him a corndog and a pack of Newports in appreciation. He accepted gratefully, without further discussion. It became a ritual thereafter. I would buy him a corndog whenever I saw him. We would chat and then part ways. I would study. He would, as rumor would have it, go smoke crack. It didn’t bother me. One summer day, I found Bryon sitting in front of my apartment, with a huge smile and a box of chicken wings. “Hey girl, break bread with me.” I politely declined. “No way lady, you take care of me all the time. Let me give a little back.”
Rejecting his kindness was not an option. His honor was on the line. I knew those wings were from a trash can. I sat beside him on the stoop, reached in for a wing and ate it. I even had seconds. “This makes me legit, right?” Bryon asked.
I moved off of King Street, to the suburbs of Rutledge Avenue and saw Byron a lot less. One bright morning, while walking to class, Bryon rode by on a bike. He saw me and turned around with that famous smile. “Hey girl! Let me give you a ride.”
“Neh, Byron, I’m good.”
“Get on the bike!” he ordered. I immediately acquiesced and hopped on the back, wrapping my arms around his waist. I’m not gonna lie. He was dirty, dirty from living on the streets. He took me to my destination and a thanked him for the ride, suddenly smelling myself smelling like him. “No problem! Hey can I borrow your cell phone. I wanna call my girlfriend.”
I was shocked. “You have a girl friend?”
“Shoot, you must be crazy. I got girlfriends.” He laughed. I lent him my phone and he arranged his date with a lucky lady. He rode away on his bike. That was the last time I saw Byron. I hear someone bought him a bus ticket to go to California. I carry him with me still, in my heart: a homeless man, who shared his meal, gave me a ride and saved my life. Byron had very little, but what he did, he was eager to share with others. He is an example of the true beauty of Charleston.
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I was sitting here thinking about my days living in Charleston back in 1997-1998 and have great memories of Byron. He would walk me to my boyfriends house and would ask me what time I was leaving so he could walk me back to my dorm. He showed me where he slept in case I ever had any trouble. He truly looks out for people and its heartwarming to read to story and to see he is still out there helping people!! I am happy that he was there for you too!
I used to close up late at night at Raval on King street. One night my bike lock wouldn’t unlock, so Byron helped me stack two of this big city garbage cans on top of each other and held them steady while I climbed up and lifted my bike up over them. This was around 4a. That guy is awesome.
Byron is still here! He’s great.
Byron is still around! I saw him last month. Still up to his old antics, but doing good as well.
Where is he?? I look for him constantly! !!
I saw him just Friday. He’s around d the king and Calhoun area. Spoleto is going on now,so you may find him out more.
I’m happy to report that Byron has returned to his old stomping grounds. As his occasional lawyer, I received a phone call from him yesterday. He is the first panhandler I’ve ever encountered who uses a cell phone to solicit donations. He was disappointed that I moved my law office from King St. to Folly Beach but I promised him I’d stop by to see him on my next trip to Upper King. Byron has a wonderful heart but certainly has his demons – which he will readily admit. Like the author, I too have broken bread with B. We shared bologna sandwiches many years ago. If you want to make him smile (without giving him a large cash donation) give him a sprite with no ice the next time you see him. Tell him Cletus sent you.
THAT is it right there. “Cletus! Give me a sprite no ice. Hurry up I’m thirsty”, he says with a grin.
Yeah, Byron is capable of good deeds. But you left out the fact that he’s a known crack dealer/user, will steal anything that’s not nailed down, and has broken into plenty of homes and businesses.
That wasn’t left out, read it again dear. Frat boys steal and break into places too, but when they assault and attempt rape I’m glad there’s Byron.
I ran out of gas on king street one night back in 2006. Single girl on a late night, I was a bit scared. Byron walked me to the gas station, pumped my gas, and filled it up for me. That guy was a true gentleman!!!
I saw Byron about a month ago. He was out in front of Sweet, just like old times.
Oh please, he is a thug who should be in jail. He took his hands out and wrapped them around my neck from behind, and cracked it both ways. He then threw his knee into my back. Then he laughed and said it was a magic trick. He is a terrible person. I ended up in urgent care having my neck assessed, etc. To this day i still have neck priblems from this incudent. The even more awful thing is that the cops wouldn’t even do anything about it as he was no longer at the scene. They said, “Oh, it’s just Byron.” He needs to be off the streets so that we are safe. I am tired of hearing stories where people say he is a good guy. Ridiculous.
You must have not been relaxed during his ‘chiropractic practices’ (as he always says just relax). As far as I’m concerned Byron gives one hell of a back/neck crack. I used to pay him for the service it felt so great. It is unfortunate however, that you got the short end of the deal.
I can imagine that you are more of a menace to society than Byron is. Have some humility, Mr/Mrs. Annoyed.
Perspective, you should get some “perspective.” Byron spends more time in jail for unlawful acts than he spends time walking our streets. All of you who post up about this guy are just idiot bar hoppers who enjoy a few moments with him while you are drunk. The problem is you do not realize the reality of who he really is. Keep drinking your bourbon and ginger. Byron is a thug, and one day he will cross the wrong person.
Haha, the guy going by barslayer referring to people as idiot bar hoppers. If that’s not the most frat thing to call yourself, I don’t know what is. Go change your pink shirt, dude. Oh, the irony.
I am a testament to the chiropractic wonders of Byron. Leaving AC’s Sunday after the Bridge run in ’13 we happened upon Byron and another Tattoed young lady that definitely wanted to bed my girlfriend, haha. I experienced a better adjustment than any chiropractor had ever given me. I walked him to the ATM and slipped him $40 bucks. Now it could have been the myriad of Bloody Mary’s I had or the Chicken and Waffles but it was an amazing experience. Not just the run in but the time spent with the love of my life. Sadly the love ended but the experience lives on in pictures and one of the best stories I can ever tell. Thank You, Byron!!!
Byron used to escort me to work in the early early mornings when I lived in charleston. At first he frightened me but once I started talking to him I could see that he really had a good heart. I have mentally ill family members and couldn’t just pass him off as just another crack head junky. I gave him food or a cigarette here or there. He asked for cash a couple of times but wasn’t pushy. Just continued to make sure I walked home safely. Atfter seeing and spendig time with him for a couple if years I broke the news that I was goi ng to have a baby and was moving away with my husband . He got choked up an d rubbed my little baby bump and said he was going to bless the baby. I think his “demons” are truly unfortunate. He does great acts of kindness but is troubled by drug abuse and poverty. I don’t think he would change if he was handed a million dollar check. He would still ride around charleston helping it’s many people in help. His readiness to help he told me once was to compisate for the bad things he has/does do. It’s not selfish. It’s a balance to the life he leads.
Byron is still here! I saw him last Friday helping someone out by Joe Pasta!
Man Byron is true an deed good person.
I just saw two days Ago he riding. Upper. King like always. I known. Byron for along time I’m glad that policy be looking. Out for him that real cool next time I see him I’m going. To show him these comments
Despite his down falls. He is a great man & has saved alot of peoples lifes!
I spotted him after a poetry night at King Dusko about 6 weeks ago giving worldly advice to a student. It was heartwarming.
Byron, as boisterous and eccentric as he is is one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever met. Even with his many various illicit activities has never been one to turn a blind eye to someone in need. through the years I’ve lived and worked in Charleston. I will day Byron was my knight in shinning armor multiple times he carried me on his shoulders through one of the many floods that charleston is known to have because to him true ladies never walk through puddles and he has saved me from a mugger who i was about to come to blows with by grabbing my belongings picking me up over his shoulder and carting me down the street to safety just to name a few of the various good deeds of this one man. I still remember not being able to walk down king street without him yelling Mo get that cute little ass over here. Charleston is lucky to have a pan handler like him around
Late one night I was leaving a party on King Street but little did I know my keys were locked in my car. I called a lock smith but was told it would be over 2 hours before they could reach me. I had guys try to jimmy the lock but all were unsuccessful. However they all managed to damage my vehicle. Byron saw what was happening and came to the rescue. He was able to help get my door open with no damage. He didn’t look or ask for anything in return for his help. He was grateful for a simple token of appreciation, cigs and a drink. I will forever be grateful for his help!
When I was in my 2L year of law school I lived in a studio on upper King. Byron was a staple. You’d see him riding his bike everywhere and he’d always say hi to you regardless of who you were or whether you had helped in the past or not. I really enjoyed this article!
This is extremely uncomfortable to read–especially the comments. Instead of glorifying that you have a nice guy as a panhandler, I’m upset that there is no mention of working with your city to make sure there are good shelters with job, health, and mental health assistance to end this problem of homelessness. This is a man who is living on the streets. It might seem gritty yet entertaining for the Charleston culture from the outside, but perhaps the community could help him out just as he has helped some of you.
Oh please! Charleston has homeless shelters. Byron Knight is a self-described Crackhead who’s been roaming the streets of Charleston since he was unceremoniously booted from the US Navy in the late 80s. Shelters tend to frown upon using drugs in the facility, what with children and families also staying there. Byron is doing exactly what he wants to be doing. He genuinely loves people and Charleston. He asks for very little and his expectations are the same. He’s not violent, doesn’t rob or steal and the comments about his protective nature are genuine.
So save your pious pitying for those who want it and need it. Lord Byron of King Street is just FINE!
Like the first article says he saved a girl in front of the old Copones , (Burns Alley). I’ve had my neck snapped by him before & back cracked ab 3 times . Never any problems . I heard he use to work for a football team & learned how to relieve the trapped air pockets in your back . Sorry that that happen to you ( being injured from him doing this) but he is not a bad guy.
I just saw Byron today. I was leaving Juanita Greenbergs and it was pouring down rain. I’d forgotten my umbrella. I told Byron I was good to make the run for my truck but he wouldn’t have it…. He told me he wouldn’t take no for an answer and walked me there with his big umbrella.
Great story. Reminds me of stories my mother used to tell me of “angels unaware”.
To Guest, We have shelters here in Charleston. There are a lot of people that won’t go to shelters because of rules and lifestyle. Really should research before you say that. Nice to hear heart warming stories, but people(women) need to stop putting themselves in danger walking the streets alone at night. JS
Way to slip in with the victim blaming ?.
Indeed. Lol guess it’s her fault that rapists exist. Totally not his fault for trying to rape her. (Sarcasm)
Byron and Jerry were amazing people to me and my roommates in the early 2000s we got robbed by some less than good people we saw them running outta our house. The next day I ran into Byron and Jerry and we told them what had happened the next morning there was a lady with a pile of our stuff at our front door telling us she was sorry and she won’t bother anyone around here again. Does anyone know what happened to Jerry some people called him scary Jerry he would always be around lite affaire sweeping at the end of the night.
Jerry passed away from a drug overdose sometime around 2002 or 2003. Definitely before Fluids closed, which was around 2006?
I first met Byron the night I turned 21 (I’ll be 40 this year). I was ‘tipsy’ and Leno (sp) from the pizza place that was once on King across from horse and cart, had given me a free pizza. I sat down next to Byron and started talking to him and I gave him a slice in celebration of me turning 21. We became friends from that moment on. So what he smokes crack…he’s one of the most intelligent people you’ll ever run into. when it would get cold at night he would occasionally crash on my floor (never stole a thing from me) and the night my father passed he was the first person I talked to when he saw me return home that morning. Byron will always be a cool person in my book not to mention a real friend when you need someone.
Growing up on King St and being in the punk rock scene of the mid 90’s, everyone knew and loved Byron. No one ever felt uneasy or anything but love. He was and still is one of us.
Byron cracked my back and basically gave me a full spinal alignment on King Street less than one month ago.
Thanks for sharing, enjoyed getting to know him a little better. Met him last Sat night, walking upper King, he cracked my back. I was leary at first, he knew it so he flagged down the next motorist who was driving towards us & asked him to tell me if Byron was a decent guy. He most definitely is, now I look for Byron.
It’s sad for people on here to judge a mans soul on his short comings. Everyone has demons, and for some it’s next to impossible to overcome them. I’ve seen with my own 2 eyes Byron beat the shit out of a man, who smacked a woman. Idk how anyone cannot respect that type of willingness and courage to put yourself in harms way for total strangers. Addiction is a disease, and we as a nation should not incarcerate those struggling with it, nor those who might struggle with mental illness. They deserve the same kind of treatment as those who can actually afford it. Long Live Byron!
I have known Byron for 10 years I work on King Street doing construction and I still see him periodically yes he may have been arrested for drinking in public and other minor things it doesn’t matter or Petray one’s character is an awesome person a good street chiropractor and helps people out those who come on here and criticize you’re a moron
I love that so many other ladies have been witness to his selfless and WISE acts of chivalry! Byron walked me home from my job on King street to the corner of Spring and Rutledge where I lived many many many a time when I was 17 and thought I was invincible. Now as a grown woman with a child of my own, and the insight that only comes with age to know what goes bump in the night, I truly respect what he did for me. He would walk 20 feet behind me every night after my work let out at 3am to in his own words “watch my back” when I didn’t have the sense to know the dangers I faced in the dark each evening. I am sure that I have avoided many brushes with danger because he was there protecting me every step of my commute. I LOVE that some other people from those days of my youth have also recognized his good heart and sense of selflessness he bestowed upon the ladies of Charleston. I don’t care what the rumor mill says and I don’t care if he lead a life I was unaware of regarding drug use. As far as I know he is my personal hero and the champion of my innocence. And I thank god he was there when I needed him the most. Bless his heart!
Back in 2005 I lived near campus but worked near Eastbay as a waitress. I would walk home late and Byron would always be on the street making sure I made it around the corner to my house. I glady gave him a cigarette for keeping a safe eye out.
I had a few run ins with Byron when I lived downtown over a decade ago. He used to help out at juanitas with closing when my ex worked there so I knew him in passing.
One day I borrowed my friends car and couldn’t figure out how to open the gas cap door (it was inside near the driver door). I saw him and hollered for his help and he graciously got the cap open and pumped my gas.
I forgot my ID once and gave him $10 to buy me a pack of cigs and keep the change.
He’s cracked my back on numerous occasions and I’ve repaid in money, food, and cigarettes.
Had my back and neck cracked by him last week. Best nights sleep I’ve had in years. He also miraculously cured my buddies hiccups on the spot
Oct 2019 – I walked out of my hotel looking for the first hungry looking person to give the leftovers of our Hank’s dinner. A man (who I now know is Byron) was outside, laying out his bed. He mentioned he was a chiropractor, and asked me to step into the light. I was nervous, but trusted him and he gave me a full chiropractic adjustment while standing. Better than my chiropractor at home for sure. He was friendly, gracious, and I wish I’d given him more than some leftovers for the great crack – the adjustment, not the drug 🙂
This man has a heart of gold and the soul of an angel. Twenty something years ago I found myself alone in downtown Charleston. He rescued me, and probably saved my life that night. Is he still around? Anyone know how to get in touch with him?
Byron cleans my windows at Images Gallery on King Street every Tuesday without fail for years and years! He is one of my favorite people in this town.
I lived on Upper King St. in the mid 90″s and Byron was a friend that I looked forward to seeing every day. I have often wondered about him and am so gladdened and surprised to see this article and these comments. Sharing cigs and drinks with him will be a fond memory of mine forever.
My husband has known Byron for many years and I met him in the late 90’s. We actually saw him last night close to Hall’s Chop House and the Deuling Piano Bar. We hugged, he gave us each a back adjustment (which felt great, by the way!), and we said goodbye for now. It was great to see him again!
Just met Byron for the first time last night but I’ve read about him well before then. I feel great after my 12:30am adjustment outside Trio. I made a donation.
Great share Josh. Thank you so much for this comment. Mark
Still around. Stopped when I saw him outside Recovery Room a month ago. My Airbnb guests wanted to check out a true dive bar. Reminded him who I was and that I used to run Vix back in the day. He grabbed me by the arm and tugged me around the fence. Cracked my back and adjusted my neck. First full motion in my neck for months. Had to explain to my guests. Fun night. Nostalgic too