Today we’d like to introduce you to Jahliel Thurman.
Jahliel, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Five years ago I created a company by the name of Yard Talk 101. Yard Talk 101 is a digital marketing company that increases social impact, online visibility, and awareness for companies that want to work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Over the last five years, we have developed many different relationships with individuals and universities.
This past May I quit my job to move to Atlanta, GA in hopes of becoming a television host. Because of one the relationships, I had built with my company, I was fortunate to become a host and executive producer of HBCU 101. HBCU 101 is a television series that highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These highlights are obtained via one on one interviews with prominent leaders and HBCU alumni, in addition to interactions with the student body, various student organizations and campus leaders, all to shine a positive light on these institutions.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road, I have faced many different obstacles to get to where I am today. Along the way, I have heard many different forms of “no”. From hearing not getting responses, to the “we love what you are doing, but we are not able to support right now”, to even people who were supposed to be friends not really seeing the vision. When I moved to Atlanta, I did not have a consistent living situation, however, I knew I needed to get out of Richmond, VA and that things would at some point work themselves out. Earlier this year, I even began going to therapy because I was falling into depression.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with HBCU 101 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
HBCU 101 is unique because there is no other media platform that tells the positive narrative about HBCU’s like we do. We are 100% positive content that helps to promote the HBCU’s. HBCU 101’s mission is to enlighten the masses on HBCUs by highlighting their activities, organizations, persons, and services to uplift and connect communities. Something that makes me most proud of HBCU 101, is when I first created my company Yard Talk 101 the original name was HBCU Gladiators.
HBCU Gladiators was a 30-minute television show that I had mapped out the breakdown of what that show would like. Yard Talk 101 was an open discussion segment of that show, and at the time I said I need to get started now with creating snackable content. Thus Yard Talk 1o1 was created, fast forward almost five years later I am hosting and producing a show in which Yard Talk 101 is a segment of on national television. HBCU 101 can be found on AspireTV Sundays at Noon.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I would like to continue to grow as a host and producer. I am looking forward to continuing to work on the show and formulate some amazing partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hbcu101.com
- Email: info@hbcu101.com
- Instagram: @hbcu101 @jahlielthurman @yardtalk101
- Facebook: @hbcu101 @yardtalk101
- Twitter: @hbcu101 @yardtalk101
Image Credit:
Ms. Gloria Carter
Jay Dukes Claflin University Alum
Will Packer Movie Producer, FAMU Alum
Keshia Knight Pullium Actress, Spelman College Alumna
Archie Clay III, Tuskegee Alum
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