Help Russell Keep His Home & Legacy

Greetings to all beloved community members, friends, family, and individuals who bring light into our lives. We are reaching out today on behalf of Russell Frederick, a very dear friend and cherished member of our community, to humbly request your support in two crucial ways: through your prayers and through some financial assistance.

Russell is a pillar in Brooklyn, New York. He is a dedicated photographer whose lens has captured the essence of black history, primarily in Bed Stuy Brooklyn, but also across various parts of America, Africa and the globe. His impact extends beyond his artistry; Russell has been a guiding force and life coach for countless young men, both individually and through his work with KAVI (the Kings Against Violence Initiative), co-founded with the honorable Dr. Robert Gore at Wingate high school and Eagle Academy. KAVI's mission is to guide troubled youth towards greatness, and Russell's mentorship/leadership has been instrumental in this journey.

As a photographer, Russell has photographed everyone from President Obama to regular people in the neighborhood. No matter who he photographs Russell makes everyone feel important. He has taught and inspired many photographers throughout his career. Unfortunately, a few years ago, Russell faced a significant health setback with a detached retina and an aggressive form of glaucoma. Despite undergoing five surgeries, Russell is blind in one eye and has experienced peripheral vision loss in the other. In addition to this, earlier this year he was told he would need another eye surgery but fortunately enough his condition has stabilzed recently. All of this has caused severe emotional distress and financial strain.

His inability to work consistently due to surgeries and recovery periods has led to financial instability, putting his home/studio at risk. Despite grappling with mild depression, Russell has shown resilience, still making photos, educating, mentoring and volunteering. Yet, he now finds himself in urgent need of our support to maintain his living and creative space.

The year 2024 has presented Russell with considerable challenges, but I cannot handle the thought of him losing his home/work space. Your contributions, no matter how small, will make an immense difference in helping Russell preserve his sanctuary and mental health. I want to extend my deepest gratitude in advance for any assistance you can provide during this critical time. It is often difficult for a successful man who is going through a rough time to ask for help. Anything that you can give to help him keep his space will be greatly, greatly, greatly appreciated. We are thanking each and every one of you in advance for all that you are able to contribute. Let's join together to support Russell in maintaining his livelihood so that he may continue documenting history.

Here is a link to some of Russell's work www.russellfrederick.com

Thank you very much for your support.