We had the good fortune of connecting with Keisha J Kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keisha J, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I noticed that our HBCU athletes were not getting the exposure that Power 5 & other conference players were getting. I decided that I would launch a sports podcast that advocates strictly for HBCU athletics. This is turn gives athletes, coaches, etc to do live interviews and tell their stories!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
BlackCollegeExperience is not only an HBCU sports podcast that advocates for HBCU athletics, we also award scholarships to students who are currently enrolled or plan on attending HBCUs. In 2019, BCE awarded two scholarships. One to a student at Southern University & one to a student at Howard University. The thing that sets us apart is that we cover every sport at HBCUs from football to sailing; which is at Hampton University, swimming at Howard, & wrestling at FAMU. We try not to miss a beat & we love it!! Being consistent and not taking no for an answer is how I got to where I am today! All it takes is one yes! After doing the work, my counterparts have no choice but to respect me because it is truly my passion to help the student athlete! I’ve learned that things don’t always come easy in sports media, especially for women! We have to work 3xs harder to prove ourselves. I want the world to know two things:  the future is female & women have arrived & we are taking our seats at the table! If you’re not at the table you’re on the menu ~(Jamal Taylor)

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a sports junkie so definitely a NBA game, NFL game, MLB game, G-League, Collegiate , WNBA… in other words we are doing something sports related! As for food! Anything seafood! I love Main Street Grill in College Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Derrick Thomas-Cohost He’s my cohost, my friend, my go to guy. He’s always had my back in this game for 4 years! I couldn’t do it without him! Also Derric Hawkins. It’s a running joke that he calls me a superstar. Funny thing is: one day I will be 🤩

Instagram: BlackCollegeExperience
Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/Keisha-kelley
Twitter: BlackCollegeExp
Facebook: The BlackCollegeExperience

Image Credits
Kevin Waters & Damien Heard