The Fredrick Watson Foundation

WE SEEK TO MOTIVATE, ADVOCATE, EDUCATE AND ELEVATE ALL

The Fredrick Watson Foundation

An early stage 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit organization founded by Air Force Veteran and Howard University MBA student Fredrick Watson. The foundation focuses on motivating, educating and elevating through programs both domestically and abroad. Since it’s inception this past April, the Foundation has provided scholarships, advocated for Criminal Justice reform and provided food & clothing for the disadvantaged. We partner with other nonprofit organizations who offer programs that educate, celebrate and make visible persons that have overcome life’s challenges.

Programs and Resources

  • LIFE: The Liberian Initiative Fund for Education Sponsor-A-Student:The Fredrick Watson Foundation supports St. Teresa’s Convent in Monrovia, Liberia through sponsoring students' yearly tuition costs.

    Visit the alumni association’s website for more information (https://www.stcsphs.org)

    The Mary Smallwood Memorial Scholarship: Coming soon…

  • The Fredrick Watson Foundation is passionate about changing the conversation from “crime then punishment” to understanding the logic and mental health challenges behind those who are a part of the criminal justice system. 

    Resources for on malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and other criminal justice reform measures are as follows:

    Malicious Prosecution:
    According to the Cornell Law School, malicious prosecution is the filing of a lawsuit for an improper purpose and without grounds or probably cause. The lawsuit may either be civil or criminal in nature. The remedy an act of malicious prosecution, an alleged victim files a tort by claim by the same name. (Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/malicious_prosecution)The Fredrick Watson Foundation is very familiar with what it’s like to be a victim of malicious prosecution and false imprisonment and the challenges it poses. Loopholes in the criminal justice system and lack of sufficient check and balances cause 

    In the case Thompson vs. Clark, a case that was argued before the Supreme Court on October 12, 2021 and decided on April 4, 2022 (Source: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-659_3ea4.pdf), the Supreme Court eliminated one of the hurdles facing individuals looking to sue for being falsely accused of crimes (Source: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2022/04/06/661369.htm) 

    If you have been a victim of malicious prosecution, a lawyer can assist you with the paperwork and proceeding necessary to get your just due. 

    False Imprisonment: 
    The Innocence Project seeks to exonerate the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustices. Click here (https://innocenceproject.org) to find out more. 

    The EJI:
    The Equal Justice Initiative believes ending mass incarceration is the civil rights issue of our time. We challenge excessive punishment in court, advocate for parole and provide re-entry support, and advance systemic reform through research, education, and narrative work. Click here (https://eji.org/criminal-justice-reform/) to find out more. 

    The Prison Policy InitiativeThe Prison Policy Initiative is a non-partisan group that produces cutting edge research to expose the broader harm of mass criminalization, and then sparks advocacy campaigns to create a more just society.  

    The Southern Poverty Law CenterThe SPLC works  to reform the criminal justice and immigration enforcement systems so they operate fairly and equitably; to ensure the dignity and humanity of those interacting with these systems; and to reduce the population of jailed, detained, and incarcerated juveniles and adults in the United States.

    Click here (https://www.splcenter.org/issues/mass-incarceration) to find out more.

  • The United Nations Handbook on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Social Reintegration of Offender (https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/18-02303_ebook.pdf)

    Changing Perceptions (https://changingdcperceptions.org):

    Changing Perceptions is dedicated to preparing the reentry community to successfully participate in 21st-century workforce by helping individuals identify, navigate, and solve personal barriers to success, improve self-confidence, and develop meaningful workforce and entrepreneurial skills in a nurturing, family-oriented environment.

  • Boris Henson Foundation (https://borislhensonfoundation.org): The Boris Henson Foundation is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community through providing support and bringing awareness to mental health issues that serve our community.

    They also have a program that offers free mental health services in the form of therapy. Click here (https://borislhensonfoundation.org) to find out more.

  • Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil): Military One Source is dedicated to providing information, answers and support to help military veterans reach their goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

    Gary Sinise Foundation (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org): The Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to serving our defenders, veterans, and first responders, their families and their needs

    Heroes Place (https://www.heroesplace.org): Heroes Place is dedicated to helping transition homeless veterans from dependence to independence.

#OVERCOMER CAMPAIGN

Life has no shortage of challenges and obstacles but it's how you handle them that helps to define who you are.

Belgian Cross is a clothing line that the Fredrick Watson Foundation has partnered with through the #Overcomer Campaign.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

As an Air Force veteran, I’ve had the honor of defending the freedoms that we are afforded here in the United States. And, as a black man, I know all too well that none of us are exempt from the challenges inflicted upon me (and those who look like me) on a daily basis as we navigate the minefield of life.  As someone who's been affected by the criminal justice system, along with being a survivor of violence, and someone who has struggled with mental and physical health challenges, I know my story is not uncommon to other others’ and their families. And after transitioning out of the Air Force, I sought new ways to continue to carry out my lifelong mission of service, so I started the Fredrick Watson Foundation. 

In an effort to do more than simply sympathize, I created this non profit organization (with the help of mentors and colleagues who make up the board of trustees) to motivate others with encouragement, advocate for the voiceless through societal, educational and philanthropic initiatives, educate allies and others on the challenges associated with overcoming obstacles and, ultimately, elevate everyone. 

I ask you to join me on this journey as we seek to make a difference and elevate all!

With love,

Fredrick H. Watson