Frederick Edwards Jr.

How funding enabled a man rooted in his history to continue his work.

Frederick Edwards Jr. is the founder of FredsDissonance, co-founder of Umoja Leadership Exploration, and a Program coordinator and case manager at Youthworks in ND.

Having lost over 50 friends to gun violence, Frederick began to create events and platforms, providing opportunities for African American voices to be heard. Frederick says, “Understanding our history and our past is the first step to restoring our future. I am excited to work with other Waterers because I can serve in a more extensive network now.” 

He was shocked when he was told he had been seen for his future building work in the community. Being recognized gave him “the go-ahead to keep going with the work he had been doing” with equity and inclusion at the forefront. 

“It is now more important than ever to bring the culture that people have left behind back to Fargo. From the connections and stories, I know I am not alone in the journey of education, advocacy, and decolonizing my community.”