Frederick Joseph

Frederick Joseph a marketer out of New York created the "Black Panther Challenge." Once, "Marvel" revealed it would be making a "Black Panther" stand-alone movie, he took it upon himself to galvanize. Frederick understood that it was important to make the movie accessible to as many children as possible. He realized that for many children especially in the inner city attending the movie could present a financial hardship. The intention was to take a group of kids from the Harlem "Boys and Girls Club" to see the movie for free. He understood that it was about heroically seeing an image of yourself on the screen. It would not only be entertaining to the children as well as impactful.

In the past kids have seen people of the color on the big screen as heroes, however, this would be the first time that those kids would see a black man with super powers saving the world. Previously the hero was white or if the there was a black character he usually was in a supporting role aka the sidekick. This time not. Black Panther is not only a superhero, but he's also a King. In a time when our black kids are becoming an endangered species, it's essential for kids to see black men portrayed in a positive light. A light that not only makes him relish in his blackness but also reveres black women.

Frederick actualized his idea and started the Go Fund Me. He made a video to accompany the Go Fund Me explaining his intent and what the goal was. Notables such as Chelsea Clinton and Jemele Hill helped spread the word. It quickly reached its goal but most importantly encouraged others to join his efforts by starting a Go Fund Me for their local area.

Celebrities like Octavia Spencer, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Regina King also joined in by financing viewings. His movement grew to gain international attention with Countries like Brazil, Canada as well as France. Although Frederick reached his goal, he encourages others to support still Challenges that have not fully funded. Representation matters even when its make-believe.

Frederick Joseph is Marketer, Disrupter, and Founder of "We have Stories" out of New York https://www.wehavestories.com/

August 2018