From Law to Legacy: How Chandra McQueen Found Her Path
- Ahnyah Pinckney
- 34 minutes ago
- 5 min read
There are people who follow a career path, and then there are people who build one. Chandra McQueen, a public relations powerhouse, strategist, and connector of worlds, belongs firmly in the latter category. McQueen’s career spans decades of cultural influence, industry transformation, and quiet historic moments that helped shape how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
Rooted in Purpose
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, McQueen’s journey began with an eye toward the law. A double major in American Government and Sociology at the University of Virginia, she initially set her sights on becoming an attorney.
When the Path Shifted
As life often does, her path shifted in a way that was not abrupt, but meaningful. After a brief stint in law school and working alongside an attorney in Washington, D.C., McQueen found herself standing inside Black Entertainment Television (BET) during its formative years, surrounded by creativity, urgency, and possibility. It was there, she says, that everything clicked.
“I attended the University of DC School of Law for a year. It was good, but I just didn’t feel fulfilled. The attorney that I worked for was expanding his business and had me accompany him to a business meeting with BET, and I was looking around, and it just hit home. This is where I’m supposed to be,” said McQueen.
Behind the Scenes of a Cultural Awakening
Before Google searches, social media, or digital databases, McQueen was building systems by hand.
“I had to have an extensive Rolodex. Back then, we literally had to pick up the phone and call agents and managers to get headshots and bios—whether for actors, entertainers, politicians, or newsmakers—as well as project descriptions and other assets. If you weren’t at your desk to answer the phone, you missed that moment.”
She created BET’s research library from the ground up through cultivating deep industry relationships. It was meticulous work, but it was also foundational.
“Our main source for staying informed wasn’t computers or the ability to Google—it was the trades and magazines, along with television and radio. Publications like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Essence, EBONY, JET, The Source, and Vibe were essential. Building a research library just made sense; it allowed us to have all of the pertinent information and resources in one place and at our fingertips,” said McQueen.
She reflects on an era before digital convenience, when relationships and responsiveness mattered more than speed. At a time when BET was emerging as a cultural cornerstone for Black excellence, McQueen was helping to shape the infrastructure that supported its storytelling. From The Cosby Show to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to the rise of artists like Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, En Vogue, RuPaul, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and from encounters with Justice Thurgood Marshall to cultural icons including and Sidney Poitier, Gregory Hines, Alex Haley; she bore witness to, and actively participated in, a pivotal period of cultural expansion.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Her introduction to public relations came not through a textbook, but through action. When President Bill Clinton was assembling his cabinet, McQueen called the White House and secured interviews with the people on his list. She had no way of knowing this forward-thinking initiative would become a turning point. The effort led to writing her very first press release.
“The Corporate Communications Department at BET said, ‘well Chan, you need to write a press release ASAP on securing this exclusive, first-dibs opportunity, McQueen recalled. “And I was like, well, what does that entail? That was my first real introduction to PR communications. Once that happened, I was bitten by the bug,” she said.
Where Culture Meets Strategy
From BET, McQueen’s trajectory continued upward and outward. Her work expanded to HBO and Cinemax, where she further honed her ability to bridge culture, politics, and entertainment through storytelling. Central to this work was her instinct for recognizing legacy and translating it into meaningful collaborations, particularly when it came to cultural giants whose stories belonged at the center of Black-owned platforms. One such turning point involved Alex Haley.
“In the trades, I read that Roots Parts I and II were airing on the Family Channel, which was based out in Virginia, and I said to myself, how could this be? Why didn’t BET get it? This should be in BET’s wheelhouse,” said McQueen. “So, I called the Family Channel and asked how we could collaborate in some way because Alex Haley is a legend in our eyes.”
That call reflected McQueen’s signature approach: recognizing cultural misalignment, asking the right questions, and activating relationships to ensure that Black stories and the figures who shaped them were stewarded with intention and respect. It also underscored her understanding that preserving cultural history means not only safeguarding it, but ensuring it reaches broader audiences across platforms.
“It showed me the power of communication and how connecting the right dots can expand what people understand about our history and our voices,” said McQueen.
Steady in Moments That Matter Most
Her career would later take her into government service, including serving as Press Secretary for New Jersey’s Secretary of State, DeForest Soaries during one of the most critical moments in modern history. September 11, 2001, was her second day on the job.
“All of these things were happening at once. But it’s always been about the people you meet and the connections you make along the way,” McQueen reflected.
Even amid the crisis, McQueen’s strength remained rooted in storytelling and ensuring accurate information was disseminated with clarity, care, and an unwavering focus on people and connection.
Choosing Depth Over Volume
Encouraged by her husband and fueled by growing demand for her expertise, McQueen founded her own boutique agency, choosing intention over excess. Unlike large firms built on billable hours and constant client turnover, her approach is deeply personal and deliberately selective.
“My clients know that if it is something important to them, it’s important to me,” she said. “They can come directly to me, and I take responsibility for pushing their overall strategy forward. They know that I’m accountable because I want to grow with my clients and see things through.”
What sets Chandra McQueen apart is not just her résumé, but her philosophy. She believes true impact requires full investment, meaning time, trust, and alignment.
”The synergy has to feel like a partnership,” she explained. “Almost like a marriage. There has to be balance in what I’m able to do for them, what they receive, and what I receive in return. It has to have purpose.”
Elevating Voices, Expanding Reach
Her client roster reads like a blueprint for cultural impact. From her early work with BET and HBO to contributions during the televised evolution of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! McQueen has consistently operated at the intersection of culture and strategy.
Her work has also included consulting for Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Chair of the Board of the nation’s oldest Black-owned design and construction firm; collaborations with Universal Pictures; representation of Lisa Simone (Nina Simone’s daughter); and support of emerging creative voices, such as Qaysean Williams. Her influence has also extended to initiatives connected to the White House during President Obama’s administration.
Across entertainment, publishing, advocacy, and culture, McQueen’s work reflects a rare ability to translate vision into sustained momentum.
Warmth, Wisdom, and Quiet Power
Warm, grounded, and fiercely knowledgeable, McQueen carries herself with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly who she is and why she’s here. Her presence reflects the same care she brings to every relationship and every project: measured and intentional.
A Legacy Still in Motion
In an industry driven by headlines and hype, Chandra McQueen remains focused on something far more lasting: building bridges, honoring stories, and ensuring that the right voices are not only heard but remembered.
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