Frederick Joseph (author)

{{Short description|American author}}

{{Fanpov|date=June 2022}}

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{{Infobox writer

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| birth_place = Yonkers, NY

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| occupation = Author, writer

| language = English

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| alma_mater = Hunter College

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Frederick Joseph is an American author. He has written two The New York Times bestselling books,The Black Friend: on being a better white person,{{Cite news |last=Egan |first=Elisabeth |date=December 17, 2020 |title=Want to Talk About Racism? Sit Next to Frederick Joseph |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/17/books/review/frederick-joseph-the-black-friend.html |access-date=2022-03-06 |issn=0362-4331}} a social justice book aimed at younger readers based on his own experiences as Black youth in Westchester County, New York and subsequent college years.{{Cite news |last=Westmoore |first=Jean |date=January 22, 2021 |title=Books in Brief: The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph, Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore |language=en |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/books/books-in-brief-the-black-friend-on-being-a-better-white-person-by-frederick-joseph/article_14adb332-5a61-11eb-815e-4bdb60600441.html |access-date=2022-03-06}}{{Cite news |date=June 21, 2021 |title=Ibram X. Kendi Recommends 6 Books To Help Your Kids Understand Race |language=en |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/21/1007634082/social-justice-kids-books |access-date=2022-03-06}} and Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood (2022). He has also written two other titles: Better Than We Found It (2022) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Courage to Dream (2022). He has been published on the topics of marketing, culture, and politics in various publications including HuffPost, USA Today, NowThisNews, and The Independent. Joseph also received media attention for a fundraising initiative for rent relief program in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |last=DeSantis |first=Rachel |date=April 16, 2020 |title=Author Raises Over $270K to Help More Than 900 People Pay Bills: It's 'Become Survival Money' |language=en |url=https://people.com/human-interest/author-raises-over-270k-help-people-pay-bills/ |access-date=2022-03-06}}

Books

= The Black Friend: On Being A Better White Person =

In December 2020, Candlewick Press released Frederick Joseph's first book, The Black Friend: On Being A Better White Person. The book discusses racism and was written as a tool for White people to better understand problematic behavior.Westmoore, Jean (January 22, 2021). "[https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/books/books-in-brief-the-black-friend-on-being-a-better-white-person-by-frederick-joseph/article_14adb332-5a61-11eb-815e-4bdb60600441.html Books in Brief: The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph, Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore]". The Buffalo News. The Buffalo News. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

= Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood =

In May 2022, Harper Perennial released Frederick's second book, [https://frederickjoseph.com/patriarchy-blues Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood], which examines the culture of masculinity from the perspective of a Black man. It was an instant New York Times Best Seller and includes a collection of essays, poems, and short reflections on the concept of toxic masculinity and the experiences of men, particularly those of color. Joseph's personal and cultural standpoints on fatherhood, stereotypes, and what it means to be a man were his inspiration for this book. This autobiography discusses topics related to misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Malik |date=March 6, 2022 |title=Frederick Joseph discusses his book 'Patriarchy Blues |language=en-US |url=https://rollingout.com/2022/03/06/frederick-joseph-discusses-his-book-patriarchy-blues-reflections-on-manhood/ |access-date=2022-03-07}}

= Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save The World =

In Fall 2022, Candlewick Press released Frederick and Porsche Joseph‘s book, Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save The World. This young adult nonfiction serves as a guide to social and political progressivism, and covers issues related to climate change, health care, economic inequality, and gun violence.Maughan, Shannon (February 24, 2022). "[https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/88609-fall-2022-children-s-sneak-previews.html Fall 2022 Children's Sneak Previews]". Publishers Weekly. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

= Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream =

In November 2022, Disney Publishing Worldwide released Frederick's debut picture book, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream.

Philanthropy and activism

Frederick, a fundraising consultant, has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for various causes through GoFundMe.O'Falt, Chris (February 14, 2018). "[https://www.indiewire.com/2018/02/black-panther-challenge-founder-frederick-joseph-1201928153/ #BlackPantherChallenge Founder Explains How the Campaign's Success Proves the System Needs to Be Disrupted]". Indie Wire. Indie Wire. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

Joseph is the founder of We Have Stories, a nonprofit marketing and fundraising agency that provides financial grants for those focused on representation and inclusion.Jasper, Marykate (February 11, 2018). "[https://www.themarysue.com/black-panther-challenge/ The #BlackPantherChallenge Has Raised More Than $300,000 to Send Kids to See Black Panther]". The Mary Sue. The Mary Sue. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

In 2019, Girls Inc., in partnership with We Have Stories, raised more than $60,000 for girls to see Captain Marvel.Lewis, Rebecca (February 24, 2019). "[https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/24/young-girls-captain-marvel-costumes-steal-oscars-red-carpet-donate-10k-captain-marvel-challenge-8728212/ Mini Captain Marvels steal Oscars red carpet to donate $10k to the Captain Marvel challenge]". Metro. Metro. Retrieved March 12, 2022. Frederick stated that "Everyone should have an opportunity to see women in roles they can aspire to one day be, roles that show women as strong, smart, and bold."

In 2018, Frederick Joseph helped raise $1 million on GoFundMe for 73,000 children of color to watch Black Panther at no cost to them.Pannell, Ni'Kesia (October 24, 2020). "[https://www.essence.com/entertainment/black-panther-worldwide-fundraisers/ Black Panther' Inspires Worldwide Fundraisers For Kids: Here's How You Can Support]". Essence. Essence. Retrieved March 12, 2022. At the time, it was in the largest entertainment-related GoFundMe in the company’s history. The campaign tripled its goal in 10 days and included support from public figures such as Chelsea Clinton, J.J. Abrams, and Jemele Hill.Lee, Lauren (January 10, 2018). "[https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/10/entertainment/iyw-black-panther-gofundme-trnd/index.html An activist starts a GoFundMe campaign to help kids in Harlem see 'Black Panther]". CNN. CNN. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

In 2020, Joseph launched a GoFundMe campaign called #RentRelief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign sent $200 payments to those who requested it.Vanderberg, Madison (April 19, 2020). "[https://www.scarymommy.com/rent-relief-payments-200-cash-frederick-joseph Author Is Venmo'ing Thousands Of $200 Cash Payments To Anyone That Needs It]". Scary Mommy. Scary Mommy. Retrieved March 12, 2022. Joseph also helped raise $40,000 for New York City’s food bank network during that time.Ross, Janell (April 17, 2020). "[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/more-black-americans-die-coronavirus-community-leaders-are-taking-action-n1186256 As more black Americans die from coronavirus, community leaders are taking action]". NBC News. NBC News. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

Personal life

Joseph was born and raised in Yonkers, New York and attended Saunders Trade and Technical. He cites his maternal grandmother, Thelma Ford, as one of his writing inspirations. Ford was a short story writer who was unable to become a published author because of racism and sexism.

Joseph graduated from Hunter College in 2012 with a degree in Political science and Creative Writing. After graduating, Joseph worked in copy editing and marketing, which led to his career as an author.

In 2018, Joseph became engaged to writer Porsche Landon after two years of dating. They live in Queens, New York with their dog Stokely.Press, Candlewick (December 2, 2020). "[https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-black-panther-challenge-creator-frederick-josephs-new-book-the-black-friend-is-a-must-read-on-anti-racism-and-white-allyship-301183832.html 'The Black Panther Challenge' Creator Frederick Joseph's New Book 'The Black Friend' is a Must-Read on Anti-Racism and White Allyship]". Cision PR Newswire. Cision PR Newswire. Retrieved March 12, 2022.DeSantis, Rachel (April 16, 2020). "[https://people.com/human-interest/author-raises-over-270k-help-people-pay-bills/ Author Raises Over $270K to Help More Than 900 People Pay Bills: It's 'Become Survival Money']". People. People. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

Views

Joseph frequently discusses racial issues. In a 2021 interview with Forbes about anti-blackness on social media, Joseph stated that the "algorithms were designed by White engineers with White individuals in mind" and that White consumers are "upholding systems of inequity."Preston, Ashlee Marie (August 9, 2021). "[https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestheculture/2021/08/09/taking-on-tech-social-medias-anti-blackness-and-algorithmic-aggression-in-the-absence-of-accountability/?sh=47e6aeed3c79 Taking On Tech: Social Media's Anti-Blackness And Algorithmic Aggression In The Absence Of Accountability]". Forbes. Retrieved March 12, 2022. He partnered with Yahoo Life on an antiracism endeavor called the Allyship Pledge.Lee, Shanon (March 2, 2021). "[https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/allyship-pledge-recap-frederick-joseph-184151763.html How to commit to a life of allyship: 'create an actual home in your life for your allyship']". Yahoo. Yahoo. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

Awards and recognition

  • 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award
  • International Literacy Association (ILA) Children's and Young Adult's Book Award{{Cite web |title=Children's and Young Adults' Book Awards, International Literacy Association |url=https://www.literacyworldwide.org/about-us/awards-grants/ila-children%27s-and-young-adults%27-book-awards |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=www.literacyworldwide.org |archive-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104170233/https://www.literacyworldwide.org/about-us/awards-grants/ila-children%27s-and-young-adults%27-book-awards |url-status=dead }}
  • 2021 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of The Year
  • 2021 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices Book List{{Cite web |title=Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices Book List |url=https://d3jcs7j1qj73at.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/CCBC_Choices_2021_full.pdf}}
  • 2021 In the Margins Book Award{{Cite web |date=February 9, 2021 |title=2021 YA NONFICTION AWARD |url=https://inthemarginssite.blog/2021-ya-nonfiction-award/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=In the Margins Book Awards |language=en}}
  • 2020 New York Times Bestselling Author
  • 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Marketing and Advertising{{Cite news |title=30 Under 30 2019: Marketing & Advertising |language=en |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2019/marketing-advertising// |access-date=2022-03-21}}
  • Comic-Con Humanitarian of the Year{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award |url=https://www.comic-con.org/awards/bob-clampett-humanitarian-award |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Comic-Con International: San Diego |language=en |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324210951/https://comic-con.org/awards/bob-clampett-humanitarian-award |url-status=dead }}
  • The Root 100 List of Most Influential African Americans{{Cite web |title=The Root 100 – The Most Influential African Americans In 2018 |url=https://interactives.theroot.com/root-100-2018 |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=The Root}}

Bibliography

= Adult Non-Fiction =

  • Patriarchy Blues: Reflections On Manhood (2022) {{ISBN|978-0-06-313832-2}}

= Young Adult Non-Fiction =

= Picture Book =

  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream (2022) {{ISBN|978-1368076739}}

References

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