Draft:Joshua Dairen
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Joshua Dairen | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 28, 1993 Opelika, Alabama, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Alabama at Birmingham (BA) |
| Occupation(s) | Paranormal investigator, content creator, writer |
| Known for | Southern folklore and paranormal storytelling |
| Website | joshuadairen on Instagram |
Joshua Dairen (born May 28, 1993) is an American paranormal investigator, storyteller, and digital content creator known for exploring haunted locations and Southern folklore. He is recognized for highlighting underrepresented narratives within the paranormal space, especially stories rooted in African-American history and spirituality.
Early life and education
[edit]Dairen was born in Opelika, Alabama, and raised in Auburn. He developed an early interest in supernatural stories and Southern legends, though these subjects were discouraged in his upbringing. He later earned a degree in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016.[1]
Career
[edit]Paranormal storytelling
[edit]Dairen began publishing paranormal and folklore content on TikTok in 2020. His videos blend historical research, local legend, and cultural commentary. By 2023, he had reached over 150,000 followers, gaining recognition as one of the few prominent Black voices in the field.[1]
He has been featured in national outlets including BuzzFeed, Travel Noire, Southern Living, and NPR-affiliated programs.[2]
Dairen is known for researching stories such as:
- Willie Youngblood, a child laborer believed to haunt a former textile mill in Alabama.[2]
- Alleged hauntings tied to racial violence and abandoned Southern jails.
- The role of ancestral and spiritual belief systems in African-American communities.
As of 2025, Dairen’s work has garnered over 300,000 followers and tens of millions of views across platforms.[3]
Media writing and appearances
[edit]Dairen is a contributing writer for AL.com, where his op-ed on Gee’s Bend was featured in the Vintage Alabama series.[4]
He has also appeared on podcasts and public panels discussing Southern identity, racial justice, and metaphysical belief systems.[5]
In 2024, he was invited to speak at a TEDx event, where he addressed folklore, memory, and visibility in marginalized communities.
Creative work
[edit]Dairen’s creative practice also includes poetry and music, often rooted in themes of personal transformation, historical reckoning, and spiritual longing. He draws influence from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, using metaphor and biblical symbolism to challenge narratives about Black identity and cultural erasure.
Impact and recognition
[edit]- Named a “Paranormal Creator to Watch” by BuzzFeed in 2023.
- Featured by the History Channel as a rising voice in contemporary ghost storytelling.
- Recognized by Southern Living and NPR for his role in elevating Black Southern narratives.
- Participated in site investigations at historic locations including the DeRidder Jail and Old St. Augustine Jail.
Personal life
[edit]Dairen resides in Alabama, where he continues his work as a folklorist, paranormal investigator, and community historian. He frequently collaborates with cultural institutions, historians, and creatives to reclaim overlooked Southern narratives and elevate Black spiritual perspectives.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Washington, Taylor (May 31, 2023). "How TikTok and the South's urban legends opened new doors for Alabama's Joshua Dairen". WBHM. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "Joshua Dairen: The Black Paranormal Investigator Uncovering Southern Haunts". Travel Noire. November 11, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "Joshua Dairen on TikTok". TikTok. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "Gee's Bend Quilts: Part 1 – Vintage Alabama". TikTok. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "A Haunting Of Historic Proportions w/ Juwan Mass and Joshua Dairen". Blackbelt Voices Podcast. Retrieved May 28, 2025.