Kniko Howard, born in 2002, has attracted public attention primarily as the eldest son of Draya Michele, a reality TV star and entrepreneur. Despite his famous mother, Kniko himself has led a relatively private life, particularly when the public knows more about his father and his upbringing. In this article, we will explore Kniko Howard’s background, relationship with his father, and journey as he grows into adulthood.
Kniko Howard’s Age and Early Life
As of 2024, Kniko Howard is 22 years old. He was born when Draya Michele was just 17 years old, making him a significant part of Draya’s early life struggles and triumphs. Draya, then a young woman from Pennsylvania, faced the challenges of teenage motherhood but worked tirelessly to provide for her son. Her rise to fame came later through reality TV, particularly the show Basketball Wives LA, but Kniko was born before her television career took off. Much of Kniko’s early life was spent in Pennsylvania, away from the glitzy world that Draya would eventually become part of.
Although Draya has shared moments of Kniko’s life on social media, she has been careful to maintain his privacy, especially during childhood. Reports suggest that Kniko has been dedicated to his education and attended Pennsylvania school before moving to Georgia for higher studies. He is enrolled in college, focusing on academics and building his future away from the public eye.
The Mystery of Kniko Howard’s Father
One of the most frequently asked questions about Kniko Howard is about his father’s identity. For several years, Draya Michele kept the identity of Kniko’s dad private, leading to widespread speculation. There were rumors that celebrities, including NBA star Gilbert Arenas, could be Kniko’s father. However, Draya debunked these rumors publicly in 2016, setting the record straight that Kniko’s father is not a public figure but a man named Kniko Howard Sr., a barber from Pennsylvania.
According to Draya, Kniko Sr. was incarcerated for a decade, starting while she was seven months pregnant. She has openly discussed how difficult it was to raise Kniko as a single mother during that time, often mentioning that she never received any child support from Kniko Sr. despite the challenges they faced. However, she managed to raise Kniko with the help of her family, particularly her mother and continued to work hard to provide for him.
Although Draya has not shared many details about Kniko Sr.’s current involvement in their son’s life, she has emphasized that he is an honest man who lives away from the spotlight. This deliberate choice to shield Kniko’s father from public scrutiny aligns with Draya’s protective approach to her son’s privacy.
Kniko Howard’s Family and Siblings
Kniko Howard has grown up in a family that, while public in some aspects, has largely maintained its matters privately. He has a younger half-brother, Jru Scandrick, born in 2016 from Draya’s previous relationship with former NFL player Orlando Scandrick. Although Draya and Orlando were engaged for a time, their relationship was tumultuous, and they eventually parted ways in 2019. Kniko and Jru share a close relationship, with both brothers appearing in occasional family moments on social media.
In 2023, Draya welcomed another child with Jalen Green, an NBA player for the Houston Rockets. While the details of this relationship have been mainly kept private, the birth of Kniko’s younger sibling adds another dynamic to the Howard family. As the eldest sibling, Kniko plays a unique role in a growing and complex family structure.
Kniko’s Educational Journey and Personal Development
Kniko Howard has consistently prioritized his education, a trait that Draya Michele has often mentioned with pride. He reportedly graduated with honors and pursued higher education at Georgia State University, where he is believed to continue his academic journey as of 2024.
Although Kniko’s aspirations remain primarily private, it is clear that he has not pursued a career in entertainment like his mother. Instead, he appears to be focused on his education and personal growth, possibly aiming to build a job away from the public eye. His reserved demeanor and focus on academics suggest that Kniko is carving out his path, distinct from his mother’s highly publicized career in reality television and fashion.
Relationship with His Father and Media Speculation
One of the more intriguing aspects of Kniko Howard’s life has been the ongoing public curiosity about his father. As previously mentioned, Kniko’s father, Kniko Sr., stayed out of the public eye for many years, especially during his incarceration. Draya Michele has been vocal about how her son’s father does not fit the public’s perception of a celebrity parent, emphasizing his everyday, hardworking life as a barber.
The relationship between Kniko and his father has not been extensively discussed in public. However, it is known that Draya has had to navigate co-parenting in a way that minimizes media attention. Whether or not Kniko Sr. has a significant presence in his son’s life today is unclear, as Draya has opted not to comment on their current family dynamics.
Privacy and Public Perception
Given Kniko Howard’s connections to a famous mother, it would be easy to assume that his life is subject to constant public attention. However, Draya has been very intentional about maintaining her son’s privacy, allowing him to grow up without the pressures that often accompany being the child of a celebrity. Despite Dr Aya’s fame, she has been vocal about ensuring that her children have normal childhoods, which is far removed from the limelight.
Kniko seems to have embraced this privacy, choosing not to build a public persona through social media or entertainment, unlike many other children of celebrities. As he grows older, it will be interesting to see how he continues developing his identity, perhaps outside reality TV and celebrity culture.
Conclusion
Kniko Howard, now 22, continues to chart his path, separate from his mother’s high-profile career. Raised by Draya Michele during a time when she was navigating the complexities of young motherhood and eventual fame, Kniko’s life has remained somewhat private despite public curiosity about his background. His relationship with his father, Kniko Sr., has been a point of intrigue. Still, Draya has kept much of those details private to shield her son from unnecessary public exposure. As Kniko moves forward in his education and life, he will likely continue building his legacy, which is distinct from his mother’s celebrity status.
Read More: Peter Doocy Wife Illness.
