Tribute to Phyllis Coley

​

Phyllis Coley is a Durham native who is most notably known for being the founder of Spectacular Magazine and the host of Spectacular Magazine Radio Show. Coley earned her Bachelors degree in English from North Carolina Central University. She began her professional career by working as Promotions & Marketing Director at WKTU-FM radio station in New York, NY. While there, she discovered the rap duo Kid’n’Play and served as the group's business / music manager helping to launch them to fame. Coley eventually returned back to her hometown in Durham where she then proceeded to produce the national television program, the "Electric Factory".

​

Wanting to continue her work to promote and highlight the success and achievements of African Americans both locally and nationally that society often ignored, Coley launched Spectacular Magazine in 2004 followed by her popular radio talk show in 2009 that features numerous prominent guests. In 2016, she began implementing podcasts, hashtags, blog posts and social media in her reporting. In 2018, Coley began teaching a “Social Media for Boomers” course through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University. She is also responsible for hosting events in Durham including the Juneteeth Celebration, the MLK Black History Month Parade and Block Party, as well as the "Man and Woman of the Year' awards ceremony.

​

Coley works tirelessly to counter society's tendency that adheres to depicting negative stereotypes about blacks, and registering their successes and achievements as being of little importance. She has dedicated her life to tackling the too often inadequate reporting and negativity projected through

media coverage regarding African Americans by making known about their deeds, achievements, and successes, along with continually promoting the excellence that illuminates in our people and disparaged communities.

​

Phyllis Coley has made a major impact on communities in Durham and nationwide especially in the black community. Her communication ventures along with community engagement has placed a major stamp on promoting excellence and success by African Americans that is overlooked and not reported. Her exemplary work further pushes us forward as a community.