Community Highlights: Meet Courtney Alexander of Secrets & Legacy Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Alexander.

Hi Courtney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Courtney Alexander, a Chicago native and multimedia journalist with over six years of experience and a deep passion for impactful storytelling. From an early age, I recognized my natural ability to tell stories, whether my own or those of others, and that ultimately led me to pursue a career in journalism.

I began my journey at my university’s student newspaper while attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Journalism. That experience laid the foundation for my career and strengthened my commitment to informing and engaging diverse audiences. From there, I expanded beyond traditional news into cultural storytelling and feature writing, where I found my voice in highlighting stories that center community, identity, and lived experiences.

Throughout my career, I have had the honor of contributing to Black-owned publications and interviewing a wide range of influential public figures across entertainment, media, and politics. I have also conducted press interviews for films and television series featured on platforms such as ALLBLK, Fox Soul, BET+, Revolt TV, and the Recording Academy. These experiences have allowed me to grow as a storyteller while building meaningful connections within the industry.

My professional background spans several roles, including news reporter, on-air personality, media host, social media manager, and digital marketing specialist. Each role has strengthened my ability to approach storytelling from multiple angles, combining editorial excellence with audience engagement and digital strategy.

Today, I serve as the Founder, CEO, and Publisher of Secrets & Legacy Media, a Black-owned and operated media company rooted in truth, legacy, and the power of storytelling. Founded in March 2025, the company is committed to informing, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the Black community through impactful journalism and culturally relevant content. Our work is driven by journalistic integrity and a deep respect for the stories that shape our communities across generations.

As a features-focused publication, we intentionally spotlight both prominent and emerging voices within the Black community, including celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs, influencers, musicians, artists, actors, and students who are making a meaningful impact. From uplifting everyday resilience to highlighting changemakers and untold histories, Secrets & Legacy Media is more than a platform. It is a movement dedicated to preserving legacy and inspiring change through powerful storytelling.

I remain committed to continuing my journey in journalism, connecting with new communities, and ensuring that the stories that deserve to be told are not only heard, but remembered.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to where I am today has not been entirely smooth, but I am grateful for every lesson along the way because it has shaped me into the woman I am today.

After graduating from college, one of my biggest challenges was finding opportunities where someone was willing to take a chance on me. Breaking into the industry was not easy, but landing my first role at the AFRO was a turning point. That experience gave me a strong foundation and opened doors that helped propel my career forward.

After that, I continued to grow within the industry, including freelancing with The Chicago Defender and Onsite Media. Those opportunities allowed me to expand my experience and continue developing my voice as a storyteller. I am incredibly grateful for each of those experiences, as they taught me invaluable lessons and helped shape me into the journalist and entrepreneur I am today. However, I ultimately made the decision to step away in order to fully pursue my calling and create something of my own.

Following that period, I went through a difficult transitional phase where I was trying to figure out what I truly wanted for my life and career. During that time, I faced significant financial challenges and found myself at one of the lowest points in my life. However, that period also became a defining moment. I rebuilt my faith, developed resilience, and most importantly, learned how to truly bet on myself.

While I always knew I wanted to work in media, I also wanted to grow financially and expand my skill set. That led me to transition into marketing, where I worked as a Marketing Manager for nearly two years. Although I gained valuable experience, I knew in my spirit that it was not my long-term calling.

During that time, I also experienced challenges within the workplace, including mismanagement and moments that felt discouraging, such as subtle microaggressions that made me question whether I truly belonged in that environment. There were moments when the environment felt overwhelming, and I found myself stepping away during breaks, sometimes sitting in my car or taking a moment in private, to regroup and process the emotional weight of the experience. However, those moments became a turning point for me. They forced me to reflect, realign with my purpose, and make a decision about the future I truly wanted for myself.

While working in that corporate role, I quietly began building my own media company, Secrets & Legacy Media. I self-funded the business, worked long days, and built the company from the ground up. What started as a vision quickly developed into a growing newsroom and multimedia platform. I established key departments, including advertising, editorial, executive operations, and on-air talent.

With the support of my Vice President, Denae Hill, and Editor-in-Chief, Taylor Ashley Beard, we have been able to strengthen our foundation and drive meaningful initiatives. Together, we are working to expand our impact in the media industry, including the launch of our public relations branch, S&L Relations.

Looking back, the challenges I faced were necessary. They pushed me to grow, trust my vision, and build something of my own. The journey has not been easy, but it has been purposeful.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Secrets & Legacy Media is a Black-owned multimedia company dedicated to meaningful, community-centered storytelling that informs, inspires, and creates lasting impact. Since launching in March 2025, we have positioned ourselves as a platform that prioritizes substance, integrity, and purpose-driven journalism.

We are especially known for our features, where we highlight both prominent and emerging voices within the Black community, including celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs, influencers, musicians, artists, actors, students, and everyday changemakers. Our goal is to not only spotlight success, but also to tell the deeper stories behind the journeys, challenges, and legacies being built in real time.

In addition to features, we provide reliable and culturally relevant news coverage. One of the things that sets us apart is our intentional approach to storytelling. We do not focus on gossip or content that promotes dysfunction. Instead, we are committed to sharing positive, factual, and impactful stories that inform our audience while also inspiring growth, awareness, and meaningful conversation.

While our content strongly resonates with Gen Z and Zillennial audiences, our platform is inclusive of all generations. We intentionally highlight stories across age groups, from emerging voices to established leaders, because impact and legacy are not limited by age.

Beyond editorial, we are continuing to expand our footprint through advertising, brand storytelling, and public relations services under our PR division, S&L Relations. This allows us to support brands, entrepreneurs, and public figures in telling their stories in an authentic and culturally relevant way.

What I am most proud of is the foundation we have built as a purpose-driven media company. We are not just creating content, we are creating a space where stories are told with care, intention, and respect.

Ultimately, I want readers to know that their stories matter. We believe that everyone has the ability to build a meaningful and lasting legacy, whether that is through impacting their community, inspiring others, or simply sharing their journey. Life can be challenging, and sometimes hearing someone else’s story can be the motivation a person needs to step into their purpose. That is the heart of what we do.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, I believe we will see the final stages of the industry’s transition from print to fully digital media. While some publications still produce print editions, many have already shifted to limited runs such as quarterly issues or special editions. I anticipate that digital platforms will continue to dominate as audiences increasingly prioritize accessibility, speed, and real-time engagement.

Beyond that shift, I also see continued innovation within the digital space. Media is no longer just about written content. It now includes video, podcasts, interactive storytelling, and emerging technologies that enhance how audiences consume and engage with information. As technology evolves, so will the expectations of audiences, and media companies will need to remain agile and forward-thinking.

For Secrets & Legacy Media, adaptability is a key part of our long-term vision. We have built a diverse and knowledgeable team, and we are intentional about continuing to educate ourselves and evolve with the industry. We have also begun exploring long-term partnerships within the tech space, including connections with a Chicago-based technology company, as we learn more about advancements such as quantum technology and how innovation may intersect with media in the future.

As we grow, we also plan to expand our digital presence, including the development of a mobile app that will allow audiences to access content more quickly and engage with exclusive news and features. Ultimately, our goal is to not only keep up with industry changes, but to position ourselves ahead of them.

The media industry is constantly evolving, and I believe the organizations that will thrive are those that remain adaptable, informed, and committed to delivering meaningful, high-quality content in ways that meet audiences where they are.

Pricing:

• Inline Editorial Ads – Starting at $50
• Social Media Promotions – Starting at $100
• Advertorial Features – Starting at $150
• Monthly Sponsored Campaigns – Starting at $1,800
• Custom Legacy Packages (Premium) – Starting at $10,000+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://courtneyainmedia.com/courtney/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyainmedia/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-alexander-a44220158/

Image Credits
Justerica Angelic