Niyah Coleman is a high school track star with her whole life ahead of her. With good grades and track skills, Niyah has scholarships piling up at her doorstep. But when Niyah gets involved in fights and a twisted bank robbery months before the season is over, Niyah is left with almost no hope of attending any colleges on a scholarship. However, the track coach from Bay University needs Niyah to run for them in order for the University to keep the track team afloat. The coach makes a deal with Niyah, she has to perform on the track and in the classroom exceptionally well in order for her to keep her scholarship. If she fails in any of these areas, she will be sent home. Niyah agrees to be a well- rounded student athlete and a great person on and off the field no matter what. Niyah starts off keeping her word at Bay University, but soon finds her difficulties mounting. After grappling with a new relationship, failing grades, and a slipping performance on the track, Niyah finds herself keeping secrets and losing friends. After facing assault, abuse, and deadly encounters Niyah finds herself with a desperation to return to her life of promise before she loses everything she ever wanted. Can Niyah get her life back on track before she is sent home permanently? What do you do when your problems run faster than you?
Denisha Raychelle Hardeman, better known as Dede, was born in Houston, TX. Denisha was born to Angela Hardeman (Pharmacy Administrator) and Dennis Hardeman (Postal Service) on Feb. 18, 1991. Denisha is the third child of Angela and Dennis. She has two older brothers, Kenneth and Tristan and one younger sister, De'Angelique. Denisha grew up performing at a very young age in church. She performed in church plays, speeches, and praise dancing. Denisha also took on another hobby, writing. She won many creative writing contests in school and her poem "Halloween Night" won a poetry contest and was published in a poetry book when she was 8 years old. Denisha continued to perform and write throughout her school years. She won many acting and writing awards along the way. While attending Southern Methodist University on a track scholarship, Denisha was cast as a background actress in the Oscar winning film, "Django Unchained." While on set, Denisha caught the attention of Samuel L. Jackson who encouraged her to follow her dreams and move to Los Angeles. In Aug. 2012, she moved to Los Angles to attend the New York Film Academy. Denisha starred and worked on many commercials, indie films, and television shows including "Glee" and "CSI." Denisha also appeared in the record breaking film, "Straight Outta Compton." Along with the help of her mentor, Paula Jai Parker (The Proud Family, Hustle and Flow, Friday), Denisha got into screenplay writing, producing and casting. She has written 9 screenplays and one book. Denisha recently finished her first book as a published author, "8 Lanes." "8 Lanes" is loosely based on Denisha's early years in college as a track star dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, suicidal tendencies, addiction and depression. This sparked the creation of Denisha's new charity, "The Un-Hushed Foundation." The Un-Hushed Foundation was created to help those that are going through the darkness into the light. Un-Hushed brings forth the truth that hides behind the smile. Denisha plans on taking the novel "8 Lanes" and reaching the world with its message. To help those in need find ways to cope with their past and follow their dreams.
