“Make it Happen” with Omar Kelly

Photographed by Hyerpriority

Raquel Marie of Fashion League Styles had an opportunity to speak with the renowned journalist, host and producer of the “I Am Athlete Podcast”, Omar Kelly.

Candid Convo’s

The essential elements of journalism empowers journalists to be a voice for the voiceless. In the midst of Omar Kelly’s career, he serves as a true epitome of that statement and is now infusing candid conversations on one of the prime platforms in the country.

Raquel Marie of Fashion League Styles asked Kelly: “How important is it to utilize the platform you have to inspire others?”

“The conversations we have at I Am Athlete are conversations we would have in the locker room. It’s exposing open and honest conversations to the world…. You see candidness…honesty… transparency…talk about mental health…parenting, social activism and relationships. That contributes to having encouraging men, when they see other men they’ve idolized throughout their whole career, having similar, healthy conversations. We talk about therapy all the time and encourage everybody to go get therapy. And that’s a good message…one that’s important for the black community.” – Omar Kelly

{#FACTS} : Did you know that Omar Kelly covers the Miami Dolphins and NFL for the Sun Sentinel?

Be {YOU}nique

Unfortunately in today’s society, the wave of social media has normalized the masking of a persons’ true character.

Raquel Marie of Fashion League Styles asked Kelly: “What advice can you give someone who’s struggling in the area of just being who they are, and being able to speak and have open conversations, such as the ones you all have?”

“The one thing I’ve always learned throughout life is, be yourself. If you’re trying to impersonate somebody else or trying to put on heirs or be something you think other people want, more than likely 50% of the people are going to love you and the other 50% are going to hate you. No matter what you do… how you act you… or what you say…If you’re unique and genuine, the 50% that loves you, will love you for who you are and ride with you and it’s horrible when I think about the 50% who hate you because of who you’re pretending to be. At least let them hate you for who you really are.” – Omar Kelly

Make It Happen…

In all honesty, being a female journalist in a male dominated industry can be discouraging at times. However, after hearing encouraging words from Omar Kelly, my perspective shifted and I was able to grasp the power of not taking “No” for an answer!

Raquel Marie of Fashion League Styles wrapped up Kelly’s interview by asking: “Is there anything left in your heart that you want to share?”

“Just like you… open the door, make that extra effort. That’s why you’re here, that’s why you got the opportunity to interact with the guys. Don’t take no for an answer! In this industry of journalism, in business… and creating a platform, that’s one thing I’ve learned from Brandon Marshall, is don’t take no for an answer. Find a way, find a solution, find a work around and that’s something I would encourage everybody to work towards.” – Omar Kelly

{#FACTS} : Did you know that Omar Kelly was born in Kingston, Jamaica?