“The Black Accountant” – Inspiring Journey of Overcoming Adversity—From Walk-On Athlete to Successful Entrepreneur : guest Charleston Girley

By Lana Reid | August 20, 2025

As part of the Black Men Matter Series, this profile features Charleston Girley — former walk-on athlete, published author, and successful entrepreneur. From humble beginnings in Pine Bluff to scholarship athlete and now a leader in business and finance, Girley’s story shows how resilience, faith, and relentless work ethic can turn adversity into opportunity.

From Walk-On to Scholarship Athlete

In this episode of “The Male Perspective,” Lana talks with Charleston Girley – Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Accountant. Charleston shares his book and autobiography, “The Black Accountant,” which documents his personal story of overcoming adversity and the lessons learned along the way. From his beginnings as a walk-on football player to becoming a scholarship athlete at Arkansas State University, where he won four conference championships, his story showcases resilience and determination. Now, as a successful entrepreneur and passionate advocate, he empowers others with his message to “Keep Dreaming.”

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆:
https://www.charlestongirley.com
https://www.facebook.com/cj.girley
https://www.instagram.com/charlestongirley
https://www.youtube.com/@charlestongirley
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𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝘁:
https://linktr.ee/theladylanareid
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𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻:
Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/4019OO6
Amazon Music – https://bit.ly/41UlLI2
iHeart Radio – https://ihr.fm/3BOmdx4
Pandora – https://bit.ly/3CezvD8
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/40eoPxr

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“The Male Perspective” is hosted by Lana Reid, the founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.

Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives:

• THE MALE PERSPECTIVE: The purpose of “The Male Perspective” is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and sharing personal experiences that serve as a platform to highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
• SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD: “Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood,” is an intergenerational group of Black women who come together for relaxed and non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, experiences and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in our day to day lives.
• TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS: The “Tapestry of Black Voices Awards” honors our local communities and showcases the incredible creativity and voices of Black communities throughout the United States.