Identity in the digital age is rarely just about who you are. It’s about how people see you, how you show up, and—honestly—the groups people try to shove you into. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the name Kayla Nicole. Maybe you know her as the fitness mogul behind Tribe Therepē. Maybe you know her as the sharp-witted sports journalist who’s graced sidelines for ESPN and Barstool. Or, let’s be real, maybe you know her from the endless headlines regarding her past relationship with Travis Kelce.
Because she exists at the intersection of sports, high-profile romance, and influencer culture, people are constantly dissecting her. One of the most frequent questions hitting search bars is simple but carries a lot of weight: is Kayla Nicole Black?
The short answer is yes. But the long answer? That’s where the nuance of her life, her advocacy, and the way she’s handled public scrutiny really sits.
The Reality of Kayla Nicole’s Heritage
Kayla Nicole (born Kayla Nicole Brown) is a Black woman. She’s been incredibly vocal about this throughout her career, not just as a label, but as a core part of how she moves through the world. Born in Los Angeles and a graduate of Pepperdine University, she has spent years navigating spaces that aren't always welcoming to women of color.
You’ve probably noticed that in the world of celebrity gossip, people love to play "guess the ethnicity." It’s a weird byproduct of our obsession with racially ambiguous aesthetics. However, Kayla has never left much room for guessing. She identifies as Black, and her family background reflects that heritage.
Why the identity question matters to her fans
For a lot of women watching her, specifically Black women, she’s become a bit of a mirror. When she speaks, she isn't just talking about "wellness" in a vacuum. She’s talking about the specific mental health toll of being a Black woman in the public eye.
Remember that viral video she posted? The one that was basically an open letter to Black girls? That wasn't just "content." It was a direct response to the racialized harassment she faced after her very public breakup. She talked about how Black women are often unprotected and undervalued. That’s not the kind of speech someone gives if they aren't deeply rooted in that lived experience.
Navigating the "Interracial Relationship" Spotlight
It’s impossible to talk about her identity without mentioning the elephant in the room: her five-year relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. When a high-profile couple is interracial, the public’s obsession with race usually goes into overdrive.
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Kayla was often held up as a standard-bearer for Black women in those spaces. On the flip side, she also faced some of the nastiest corners of the internet. People used her race to bash her, to compare her to others, and to try and diminish her success. Honestly, it was exhausting to watch from the sidelines, so one can only imagine what it was like for her.
Dealing with the "Traitor" Narrative
In her open letter, she mentioned how people might call a Black woman a "traitor" for who she chooses to love. It’s a heavy burden. You’re trying to live your life, but you’re also carrying the expectations of an entire community. She’s handled it with a lot of grace, even when the internet was being its usual, chaotic self.
The Confusion with "Nicole TV"
Here’s where things get a little messy for the casual Googler. There is another very famous Kayla Nicole on the internet.
Kayla Nicole Jones, better known as Nicole TV, is a legendary YouTuber and comedian. She’s also Black. Because they share the same first and middle names, search results often get tangled.
- Kayla Nicole (The Journalist): Tall, fitness-focused, former sports reporter, dated Travis Kelce.
- Kayla Nicole Jones (Nicole TV): Comedian, rapper ("Bundles"), known for her hilarious facial expressions and YouTube sketches.
If you’re looking up "is Kayla Nicole Black" because you saw a meme of a girl with funny eyebrows, you’re looking for Jones. If you’re looking it up because you saw a stunning woman at a sports awards show or a red carpet, you’re looking for the Kayla Nicole we’re discussing here. Both are Black women, but they occupy very different lanes of the entertainment industry.
Moving Beyond the Relationship Headlines
One of the most impressive things about Kayla Nicole is how she’s pivoted. She’s not just "someone’s ex." She is a literal powerhouse.
She rebranded her fitness platform to Tribe Therepē (formerly Strong Is Sexy) because she wanted to focus on the mental aspect of health. She’s talked openly about how therapy saved her during her darkest moments.
"I've really had to lean on my mental health routine to really get me through some of the hardest times." - Kayla Nicole to PEOPLE Magazine (2025).
That kind of transparency is rare. It’s also part of why her "Black Girl Magic" isn't just a hashtag; it’s a lifestyle she’s actively building. She’s a journalist by trade—she knows how stories are framed. Now, she’s just making sure she’s the one holding the pen for her own story.
Actionable Takeaways for Following Her Journey
If you’re interested in following her or supporting her work, don’t just look at the tabloids. Look at what she’s actually building. Here is how you can actually engage with her brand:
- Check out Tribe Therepē: If you’re into fitness that doesn't feel like a chore and actually acknowledges that your brain needs a workout as much as your glutes, her platform is legit.
- Listen to "The Pre-Game": Her podcast is where she really shines as a broadcaster. She’s got the education (Pepperdine doesn't hand out those degrees for nothing) and the charisma to actually hold a conversation.
- Read her "Letters to Black Girls": Even if you aren't the target audience, it’s a masterclass in how to maintain your dignity when the world is trying to strip it away.
Kayla Nicole is Black, she is successful, and she is clearly finished being defined by anyone else's narrow perspective. Whether she’s reporting from a stadium or posting a workout, she’s doing it as a woman who knows exactly who she is. And honestly? That’s the most important answer to any question about her identity.