Keshia Knight Pulliam was born in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Denise and James Knight Pulliam, Sr., a manager. She has three brothers, James Knight Pulliam II, Mshon Knight Pulliam, and Juwan Pulliam. She received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Spelman College in 2001. She is a member of the Eta Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
On New Year's Eve 2015, Knight Pulliam became engaged to retired National Football League player Edgerton Hartwell. They were married
