Unheard Voices Networks is an award-winning digital media communications company founded by retired computer scientist Keith Covin.
While a resident of Neptune, New Jersey, Keith began to see social issues and the overall need for diversity and a positive voice for people of color within his community.
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. Ultimately, Keith wanted to create a platform for the voiceless to be heard.
In 2004, Keith’s vision came to fruition when he created 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.
Unheard Voices broadens its horizons
In 2007, Unheard Voices branched off online, creating a digital platform not only covering Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch voices, but national stories affecting everyday people.
While building their digital presence, Unheard Voices has worked with diverse and inclusive organizations such as Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation, Two River Theater, Emmis Communications, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Phi Psi, Long Branch Housing Authority, local NAACPs and churches to cultivate a positive voice for people of color, in addition to tackling issues on race relations and social issues within the African American community.
With its hard-hitting coverage, Unheard Voices would become instrumental in bringing light to stories such as Trayvon Martin, Jerean Blake, and working hand in hand with Penny Dees to bring more attention to the tragic story of Quiana Dees.
Aside from social issues, Unheard Voices has built a positive rapport in the music and entertainment industry for artists to be heard. They have established partnerships with Reverbnation, were media sponsors for prominent music showcases such as Unplugged NYC and Memoirs of a Starving Artist, and establishing relationships with mainstream music companies and public relations firms to interview their clientele.
Unheard Voices was also a co-producer of Dirty Laundry the Sitcom, and held music showcases for deserving artists to showcase their talent.
With its huge emphasis on community, Unheard Voices works with David Wronko, a history teacher for the Asbury Park Schools District in New Jersey, to highlight the work of his students and his ongoing educational initiative with Ghana.
In 2015, Unheard Voices worked with the Long Branch Housing Authority, where they developed a media communications & tech internship program to help community members build skills in journalism, content creation, and computer science.
Awards
Unheard Voices is the recipient of the CV Magazine Media Innovator Award, NAACP Unsung Hero Award, nominated for the Shorty Awards, has been featured on outlets such as NBC, CBS, NJ TV, Huffington Post, Monmouth University, and was recognized by Neptune Township and the State of NJ.
Unheard Voices is one of the few media communications companies focused on social justice media coverage and initiatives in the United States.
Network
Unheard Voices Networks strives to be a beacon for the voiceless by cultivating positive images, changing the narrative about people of color and minorities, telling the story of the everyday “unheard voice”, and helping music artists get their voices heard.
The company has broadened their horizons by creating subsidiaries under the company: Unheard Voices Magazine LLC, Jerseyvoices.com, Jerseyshorevoices.com, Unheard Voices Radio, Unheard Voices PR, and Unheard Underground.
Now based in the Baltimore-Washington DC area, the company not only focuses on social journalism but advocacy and speaking at workshops and schools on how to empower your voice through digital media communications and tech.
History
Unheard Voices Magazine receives the 2020 CV’s Media Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company in the United States.
Neptune Township, New Jersey honored prominent black journalists at its 17th annual black history celebration Saturday at the Performing Arts Center at Neptune High School. “Speaking Truth: African Americans in Journalism” and “African Americans and the Vote” were the themes of the program. Journalists past and present were recognized, including…Read More
Unheard Voices was featured on PBS/NJTV for their contribution to Project Ghana at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Unheard Voices’ video on the murder of 12-year-old Quiana Dees was featured on NBC and various platforms after an arrest was made in the cold case.
Unheard Voices establishes a collaboration with Reverbation to feature emerging artists. Check out these amazing artists here.
Unheard Voices launches Unheard Underground, a site dedicated to highlighting talented music artists that often go unnoticed in an industry that praises mainstream success. Check out Unheard Underground.
Unheard Voices held its first talent showcase called One Mic One Night, on the Jersey Shore on October 5th, 2013. Hosted by Todd Stathum and music by D.J. Bundie, the Jersey Shore community came out to witness history, and watch performers from different parts of the nation pour their heart…Read More
Unheard Voices establishes a partnership with David Wronko, a history teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, formerly Asbury Park Middle School in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The partnership was developed to allow students in the middle school to have a voice. The section also highlights Wronko’s Ghana…Read More
Unheard Voices launches Jerseyvoices.com a website covering news, music, and issues that matter in New Jersey.
In 2012, Unheard Voices launched its internship program in conjunction with the Adam Bucky James Community Center in Long Branch, NJ. The program allowed students to gain skills in journalism, video production, digital media production, and content management.