Miami-Dade Commissioner is featured in a movie that tells the tale behind it all
Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee is no stranger to setbacks, but he’s also not unfamiliar with beating the odds. Featured in the film The Reject, his story is one of grit, growth, and transformation that teaches the lessons of resilience. Despite experiencing failure on several occasions, he never stopped yearning for success. Instead of being deterred, he used his shortcomings to learn and overcome, which is also a fundamental aspect of the film.
The movie first screened in the fourth quarter of the 2024 film festival and made it into the highly competitive 2025 American Black Film Festival. It’s already sold out, but don’t worry. There may be a theatrical release coming soon in Florida.
Owning the narrative
Commissioner McGhee had been labeled “emotionally handicapped” after he was diagnosed with low IQ, ADHD, and dyslexia. But he stopped running from those tags and started owning them. “I turned what they said was wrong with me into my strength,” he explains. “I don’t believe in fighting perceptions. Everyone has one of their own. What I do believe in is owning and managing my own narrative.”
Instead of being boxed in, he built a foundation of post-traumatic growth and rose to become one of Florida’s most influential voices.
More importantly, his drive to become an attorney came from the time when he was wrongfully accused of being the cause of a car accident. When he disagreed with the police’s version of events, he was beaten, arrested, and charged with felonies. Thanks to doctors and nurses who testified on his behalf, he was found not guilty. He later sued the state troopers and used that settlement to attend Howard University.
The entire ordeal ignited the spark that pushed him into law and later public service.
Law, leadership, and giving back
After law school, McGhee began working as a prosecutor in 2005, welcomed by State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. He’s since served in government since 2010, officially running for office in 2012.
One of his most notable accomplishments was the establishment of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) law that fights for student athletes in Florida. The motivation behind the establishment of this law was to support student athletes, many of whom are left physically, mentally, and financially strained after college sports. He wants to ensure that they get compensated when their identity is used commercially.
“Many student athletes suffer physical and psychological injuries, but never make it to the pros. Once they age out of their parents’ insurance, they often face denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions,” Commissioner McGhee explained. “It leads to untreated pain, addiction, and even criminal behavior. The NIL law helps by allowing athletes, even those who won’t go pro, to earn money in high school and college. That income can be used to cover medical expenses, therapy, or other needs, giving them a better chance at long-term stability and well-being.”
Today, he’s focused on freeing the wrongfully convicted with his Innocence Project. Though not yet a nonprofit, McGhee is already doing the work out of his own pocket. With the help of this project, he was able to help with the release of James Thomas, a case that made headlines. “It’s my way of giving back,” he says, “because it almost didn’t happen for me.”
Despite his success, McGhee says humility keeps him focused. “What would your 12-year-old self think of you today?” is the question that guides him. He’s big on mentorship and grassroots work, and is inspired by those who gave him a chance, even the naysayers.
And his advice to young people who’ve been counted out is: “Risk it all. Stay present. Be fearless. The underdog always has a shot.”
Kionne L. McGhee: Views on life
Commissioner McGhee views life as a puzzle, where every individual is a vital piece. “Change comes when we acknowledge each other’s importance and uplift one another,” he said.
He is also big on community rather than self-centeredness. According to him, collective strength leads to tremendous growth and a meaningful life.
Commissioner McGhee also hopes the youth of today understand that obstacles are simply opportunities in disguise. Every challenge presents a choice: to climb over it, go through it, or find a way around it. He wants them to see obstacles not as setbacks, but as chances to grow, succeed, and ultimately help others do the same.
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