Our Blk Woman: Keisha N. Allen

Minister | Coach | Speaker | Writer | Teacher | Humanitarian

Keisha N. Allen is a transformation agent, who helps the unseen to be seen, the voiceless to be heard, and the timid to be brave. Through her guidance, people grow to understand who and why they are; and how to take their pain and make it their medicine. Her life’s mission has led her to function as a minister, coach, speaker, writer, teacher, and humanitarian.

Keisha currently serves as the Executive Director of BFDI Training Institute and a Master Licensed Professional Development Trainer. She has been integral in training thousands of organizational leaders, educators, justice practitioners, parents and youth in the emerging social science of restorative practices and restorative justice. Her focus has been to positively impact and transform environments that create significant paradigm shifts in how we engage and interact with each other. Keisha received her Master degree in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices.

As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Keisha has been able to facilitate ongoing trainings and conferences throughout the country. Her ability to engage crowds, and speak directly to the heart of people have positively changed trajectories. Keisha has mediated conferences involving murders, racial acts of discrimination, school-to-prison pipeline disruptions, dysfunctional organizational and family behaviors, and more. Keisha’s ministry work boldly addresses taboo subjects that releases people from shame and guilt, and allows them to recapture their dreams and visions.

As a humanitarian, Keisha and her husband started the Kendall Bear Foundation to offer grants to families having difficulty with having children. They also service families with children who are in need of food, clothing, and assistance during the holidays.

Her recently released book “Engaged” is available now. She believes that with God all things are possible to them that believe. OBW sat down with Keisha Allen

Embracing who you are is loving, and accepting who you are. If you are unable to do this, you will subject yourself to abuse or misuse. You will misuse your gifts, talents, and abilities; and you will allow others to do the same.

Chimes in on cultivating female empowerment

Keisha states, “Empowerment is something that comes from within. I do not make people powerful because they are already “power-full.” I help to remove the veil. I introduce people to themselves and help them realize that everything they need to fulfill their destiny is already within them. From the beginning women have been “power-full.” Sometimes all we need to cultivate who we are is for someone to come along and teach us how; speak truth into our hearts. I do both. As a result, women are liberated to fearlessly walk in their strength without needed permission from any one else.

In your opinion, how can we as a culture work together to banish prejudices and social clichés?

Keisha: As long as we exist, there will always be prejudice and social cliches. I do not believe these things will be banished. We CAN teach people how to communicate in a way that yields empathy, and understanding. However, this also requires willingness on the parts of both the communicator and the listener.

What are some things you are most proud of?

Keisha: I am proud of my life – that I did not lay down and die because life got too hard, or to sad. I navigated through the pain, and now I know how to use my pain as my medicine. I am proud of my daughter Kendall. My husband and I listen to her life, and we follow her leading. Already she has released a song called, “Cute” an EP that is available on all streaming platforms. I am proud of my husband Paul, who is using all of his gifts and talents in music, television, and movies. I am proud of the release of my book, Engaged. I am proud that it will have the opportunity to reach people that perhaps my presence will not. I am proud that it will impact the earth.

What have you been up to and what can we look forward to seeing from you?

I have been up to emptying my life. I want to die empty. I do not want to take anything to my grave. I have a new book coming out in January that addresses how to engage in relationships. I am working on television opportunities. I am still traveling and speaking at corporations, churches and conferences. As the CEO of BFDI Training Institute, I am expanding our professional development offering in restorative practices. I am still doing restorative relationship coaching. All that I am… I am doing.

Engaged means to be willing to enter into war for the promise that is offered on the other side.”

Keisha Allen