Unheard Voices Networks is an award-winning digital media communications company founded by Mr. Covin, rooted in advocacy and community storytelling.
While living in Neptune, New Jersey, Mr. Covin witnessed firsthand the social inequities and lack of diverse representation affecting his neighborhood. He recognized a pressing need for platforms that uplift the voices of people of color and reflect the realities of underrepresented communities.
Driven by civic responsibility, Mr. Covin approached a local media outlet to spotlight these issues. When his concerns were dismissed as misaligned with the outlet’s priorities, he refused to be silenced. Drawing on his academic background in English and Africana Studies from Rutgers University, Mr. Covin committed to amplifying the stories others overlooked.
In 2004, that commitment took shape as Unheard Voices—a grassroots newsletter created with the help of his son. Together, they distributed the publication throughout Neptune and placed copies in corner stores across Asbury Park, New Jersey, ensuring the community had access to stories that mattered.
Unheard Voices broadens its horizons
In 2007, Unheard Voices expanded its reach by launching an online platform—amplifying not only the voices of Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, but also spotlighting national stories that impact everyday lives.
As its digital presence grew, Unheard Voices forged meaningful collaborations with a wide range of inclusive organizations, including Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation, Two River Theater, Emmis Communications, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Long Branch Housing Authority, local NAACP chapters, and faith-based institutions. Through these partnerships, the platform has continued to elevate positive narratives about people of color, while addressing critical issues such as race relations, systemic inequities, and social justice within the African American community.
Through its uncompromising coverage, Unheard Voices became a vital force in amplifying stories that mainstream outlets often overlooked. The platform played a key role in shedding light on the tragic deaths of Trayvon Martin and Jerean Blake, and worked closely with Penny Dees to elevate public awareness around the heartbreaking story of Quiana Dees—ensuring these voices were not forgotten.
Beyond its commitment to social justice, Unheard Voices has cultivated a strong presence in the music and entertainment industry, offering emerging and independent artists a space to be heard. The platform partnered with ReverbNation, served as a media sponsor for acclaimed showcases like Unplugged NYC and Memoirs of a Starving Artist, and built relationships with major music labels and public relations firms to feature exclusive interviews with their talent.
Unheard Voices also stepped into television production as a co-producer of Dirty Laundry: The Sitcom, further expanding its commitment to storytelling across mediums. The platform continued to uplift emerging talent by hosting music showcases that gave deserving artists a stage to share their voices and connect with new audiences.
Rooted deeply in community engagement, Unheard Voices collaborates with David Wronko, a history teacher in the Asbury Park School District, to spotlight student achievements and support his ongoing educational exchange initiative with Ghana—bridging local learning with global awareness.
In 2015, Unheard Voices partnered with the Long Branch Housing Authority to launch a media communications and technology internship program. Designed to empower local residents, the initiative offered hands-on training in journalism, digital content creation, and computer science—equipping participants with the tools to tell their own stories and thrive in a digital world.
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 has been honored with the Acquisition International Social Justice Advocacy in Media Award. The award spotlights the online magazine’s pioneering role in reshaping modern media with purpose and power.
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.