Yard-to-LEGACY

Yard-to-Legacy by Elita J. is a space where the yard is the foundation and the legacy is built in real time. This rebrand episode marks one year of growth, reflection, and realignment—offering an honest look at the journey behind the mic. From navigating purpose and consistency to redefining what it means to build something meaningful, Elita shares the lessons learned while balancing life, career,...

Homecoming season — the heartbeat of HBCU culture. In this episode of Yard to Legacy, Elita J takes us beyond the band and the tailgate to explore how HBCU homecoming became a global symbol of Black joy, excellence, and legacy. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to the week-long cultural reunions we celebrate today, we’re unpacking the traditions, the history, and the community that make home...

In Part 2 of 100 Black Men vs. an HBCU, Yard to Legacy hosts Elita J. and Joshua O’Bryant explore Josh’s personal HBCU journey. He shares how the mantra “Be the Impact” kept him grounded, helping him show up for himself and represent his HBCU as campus royalty!

In Part One of our series 100 Black Men vs. an HBCU: Silence the Noise, host Elita J sits down with Jeremiah O’Bryant, NSU Class of 2021. They dive into how his HBCU journey shaped his identity, leadership, and post-grad purpose. From student government to authorship, Jeremiah unpacks what it means to block out distractions, stay focused, and build legacy. This episode sets the tone for a powerful...

In this episode of Yard to Legacy, Elita J. sits down with recent Fayetteville State University graduate KiHyirah Jones, whose viral graduation photo and powerful caption spoke volumes about resilience, purpose, and legacy. Shaped by strength, grit, and a supportive village, KiHyirah shares what led her to attend an HBCU, why she chose FSU, and how her environment inspired her to rise above every...

Welcome back to Yard to Legacy, where we celebrate the vibrant journeys and legacies of HBCU graduates—because your yard, your story, and your legacy matter. In this episode, Elita J. returns after a much-needed break, keeping it real about life, purpose, and growth. She opens up about navigating chaos, feeling creatively blocked, and learning that nothing aligns until you walk in your God-given a...

In this episode of Yard to Legacy, Elita J. chats with DJ Pye, a Virginia native and graduate of Norfolk State University. After facing adversity in her early college career, she found a fresh start at NSU, where she joined Greek life, got involved on campus, and truly felt at home. DJ Pye shares her powerful story of redemption, growth, and finding purpose—crediting her HBCU experience with shapi...

In this episode of Yard to Legacy, host Elita J. shares her journey to attending an HBCU and the power of influence in shaping her path. Growing up with HBCU alumni parents, she was immersed in Black college culture early on. In high school, deeply involved in student life, she and her friends were set on attending an HBCU. After a disappointing rejection from her first-choice school, her best fri...

In this debut episode of Yard-to-LEGACY, host Elita Rushin, a proud Norfolk State University alumna, shares the inspiring journey behind creating the podcast. From a spontaneous idea sparked in the backseat of her parents' car to late-night brainstorming sessions and Instagram polls, Elita takes listeners through the highs and hurdles of bringing her vision to life. This episode sets the stage for...