Unheard Voices was founded by retired computer scientist, Keith Covin, when he was troubled by the climate within his community. As a resident of Neptune, New Jersey, Keith began to see social issues and the overall need for a positive voice for people of color. As a concerned citizen, Keith approached a local media outlet on the issues he wanted to raise awareness on. Unfortunately, the outlet felt the issues did not serve the media company’s objectives.
But Keith wouldn’t let that stop him. He realized he could utilize his English and Africana Studies degree from Rutgers University and put his voice to use. Keith desired to counteract the cycle of negative stereotypes about people of color in the media and foster a conversation on policing and race relations within the community. Ultimately, Keith wanted to create a platform to be the voice of reason.
In 2004, Keith’s vision came to fruition by creating a newsletter called Unheard Voices. With the help of his son, Keith circulated the newsletter around Neptune and had the publication placed in corner stores in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Life happened and the Unheard Voices team had to take a break and focus on other endeavors. After a brief hiatus, in 2010 Keith’s daughter, Chenelle Covin, felt it was time to bring the concept online. With no formal training, Chenelle was able to master computer programming, graphics, and digital media marketing to help develop Unheard Voices online magazine. With very little marketing experience, Chenelle formed partnerships with local organizations, public relations firms, media outlets, and entertainment companies, building a fan base of over 30,000 followers collectively on social media within a short time frame.
Unheard Voices strives to be a beacon for the voiceless. With dedication and hard work, Unheard Voices is now considered “who’s who” in urban media, cultivating positive images, changing the narrative about people of color and minorities, and helping music artists get their voices heard.
The driving force behind Unheard Voices is to curate content that is rarely seen or heard – and stories that may be seen and heard but written from a valued perspective.
Today, the company not only focuses on media but activism and career development programs; speaking at workshops and schools on how to use your voice through digital media communications.