Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven McCoy .
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Oh thank you so much! Well I am one that started out as an intern. I interned for various casting agencies, record labels, networks and artists. Those were all prior to becoming a professional Journalist and owning my media company.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
It most certainly has not been easy. I am a Journalist who just happens to be vision and hearing impaired, who just happens to be black, who just happens to be (laughs) you know what I mean? The world does not appear to be made for those like me but that’s why I do the work of making sure that the life that I’m living is fair to me and fair to those who deals with the same or similar challenges in life. Despite always choosing to be a leader I would still hide who I was in hope to succeed in the world as I viewed what success was at the time. Little did I know, the things that truly made me unique was the very thing that marked my place in the world as this year I became the First Black Deaf-Blind Journalist in the United States. Had no idea…which is a testament that living your truth will lead you to your purpose here in the world.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
The field in Journalism I specialize in is mainstream entertainment and humanity. I think it’s a great and fun merger. It’s imperative to find the heart or to bring heart to the chaos. They try to label myself and others in my community but the world has become blinded to things that aren’t even authentic. I like to step in that mix to bring authenticity and awareness to remind the public to have fun, enjoy life but don’t forget life is still happening and if we can all come together to support another the world will be a much better place. So I enjoy using my voice to seek change. As far as competition goes, I do not view others as competitors at all. Personally and Professionally, I am on a different mission and that purpose is uniquely driven.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I always thought the quote “Be yourself.” was so cliche in a world that has been extremely cruel but you have to be you. Be strong, tenacious and graceful throughout it all and allow your authentic personality to shine. Don’t conform, go for the things you believe in and I promise you it gets better.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is the freedom of living life on your own terms.
What’s next for you?
My workload is most certainly owning the calendar nowdays (Laughs)! I am still on my “Sessions with STEVEN” tour where my company teams up with organizations and sponsors to speak and uplift students as they deal with challenges such as disabilities, economic, microagression and mental health complexities.
I on behalf of Foundation Fighting Blindness have an event we call “Taste for Sight” where everyone who attends will enjoy a selection of wine, beer, spirits, surprise performances and so much more in support of our urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness to find treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases. You don’t have to be blind to attend just a vision for life! It’s going be so much fun I tell you! The event will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, NJ. Please log onto Give.FightingBlindness.org/NJTasteForSight to find out how to attend or even support the event if you can’t make it!
I just became a Board Director for the Usher Syndrome Coalition. Also pending SRC’s Representative of Business & Industry appointed by NJ Governor Phil Murphy. It’s so important for me to use my platform to make a difference, I truly care about equity for all and breaking the false narrative that being a member of the differently abled community is a death sentence because it is not! You are still able to live, you just may need additional tools to live at your best and that’s okay!
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can connect with me through Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. My email is also attached on my social handles if you’d need to contact me.