Kenneth Miles ’18 Is Writing His Own Story
Kenneth Miles ’18 puts his broadcast journalism degree from Bloomfield College to work in a career he loves – in particular through the Trenton Journal, a multimedia platform he founded that is amplifying community voices in New Jersey’s capital city.
Posted in: Alumni News and Events, Alumni Profiles

Kenneth Miles ’18 has been a journalist for more than 30 years. The youngest columnist for the Jersey Journal, Jersey City’s hometown newspaper since the mid-1800s, Miles’ career gained traction while he was still in high school. His column was syndicated by The New York Times, and his writing appeared in Interview, Black Enterprise, Industry, The Source, WBGO.org, and more.
“I was following every opportunity and building my portfolio,” he recalls. “But in the 2000s, when I was working in the research department of a health publishing company, I saw the industry changing. A lot of magazines and print journals were going out of business. Journalism was moving from print to online.
Miles had completed a semester at New Jersey City University right out of high school, and decided it was time to finish what he had started. He enrolled in Essex County College. “I really enjoyed it,” he says. “It sparked something in me. I wanted to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.”
He learned about Bloomfield College at a college fair. “Out of all of the colleges represented, Bloomfield’s message resonated with me,” Miles says. “Their emphasis on writing your own story – well, as a writer, that really struck home. I was also attracted to the idea of attending a small liberal arts institution and felt I would do well in that kind of environment.”
There were a few surprises waiting for Miles at Bloomfield, however. “When you attend a county college in the evening, you are among a lot of older students,” he says. “The students in my classes at Bloomfield – a daytime program at a four-year college – were much younger overall.”
“The experience taught me to be humble,” he continues. “Technology is always changing; you need to be able to adapt. Working alongside younger students helped me keep up with trends, and to see my profession from a different perspective.”
Those years were challenging, forcing Miles to balance full-time school and full-time work. There were times when he wondered if he was on the right track. “My days were a blur,” he says. “I remember having a sociology class that ended at 10:00 p.m., and then working at Amazon until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. I use my memories of those days as a reference point to stay inspired – I know I can get through anything!”
Ultimately, Miles feels that his Bloomfield experience made him better able to navigate the career that he loves. “I built a toolbelt for my professional future,” he says. “I learned the history of broadcast media and developed a working knowledge of audio and video formats. Importantly, completing my degree demonstrated – to myself – what I am capable of. I know that I can keep learning and adapt to changes in the field.”
“It sparked something in me – a thirst for knowledge,” he adds, noting that he went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from West Virginia University.
Miles’ passion for building community is evident in the initiatives he launches. As a media and engagement consultant with M.Y.M. Media LLC, he spearheads campaigns for film, television personalities and nonprofit organizations. And in 2021 he founded the Trenton Journal, a multimedia platform that is addressing information gaps and amplifying community voices in New Jersey’s capital city. The Trenton Journal was awarded a prestigious National Association of Black Journalists Black Press grant as well as a New Jersey Civic Information Consortium grant to pursue its mission to prepare and encourage local residents to tell their stories. His newest project is an account of his own journey in storytelling that he hopes others will use as a manual for communicating the histories, needs and aspirations of their communities.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Miles is a board member of the Citizens’ Health and Neighborhood Growth Committee (CHANGE), a public safety advisory committee that empowers members of the community to review city policies, investigate best practices, and issue public safety advisory reports. He also is active with various local nonprofit charities in Trenton and mentored high school students through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Inc.
“I believe in the value of providing guidance to the next generation,” Miles says. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Recently I served on a panel organized for Montclair and Bloomfield students that focused on business etiquette. First generation students in particular need opportunities to learn how to navigate all aspects of their future career.”
Miles is especially excited about the recent merger of his alma mater with Montclair. “Collaboration makes things stronger,” he points out. “Both institutions will be better for it. Local, community-based higher education is so important. It brings opportunities to people who want to achieve more, but who also have adult responsibilities. Schools like Montclair and Bloomfield provide opportunities for people to pursue a better future for themselves, and for their families.”