Title
Recognizing and Honoring Mister Mann Frisby for his Accomplishments as a Novelist and his Commitment to Helping Young People Particularly African-American Males Reach their Full Potential.
Body
WHEREAS, Mister Mann Frisby, a South Philadelphia native, is nationally renowned for his passion for writing and empowering young people. He has thrived as a force in the literary world, and has also succeeded as a mentor and community activist; and
WHEREAS, Frisby, 35, began his journalism career at the Philadelphia Daily News in 1997 and was only the second person in the newspaper's storied history to be hired as a staff writer immediately after completing a three-month internship; and
WHEREAS, He made a name for himself by covering fast breaking news and writing features on everyone from A-list celebrities, to convicted murderers. He stepped out on faith in 2000 and left his highly coveted reporting job to pursue a career as a novelist. At the time of his resignation, he was one of the most popular entertainment columnists in the City; and
WHEREAS, The Penn State graduate self-published his first novel, Blinking Red Light, in May of 2002. After selling more that 15,000 copies mostly from the trunk of his car and local bookstores, he was given a two-book deal from Penguin Books. Penguin re-released Blinking Red Light under its Riverhead imprint in May of 2004, and followed with his second novel, Wifebeater, in March of 2005; and
WHEREAS, In January of 2006, he released a motivational book for teenagers entitled Holla Back, But Listen First: A Life Guide for Young Black Men under his Skye Larieux Publishing imprint, named for his 8-year old daughter.The theme of Arcadia University's annual Black Male Development Symposium was changed that year to reflect the principles of Holla Back
after the event's founder read the book; and
WHEREAS, Frisby is quoted as saying that, It is my calling to create literature that will entertain and inspire young people to grow and achieve on every level, said Frisby, who recently released an updated edition to the motivational book which includes chapters for young women as well. My career has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the most talented and inspirational people in the world, and I aim to pass on their wisdom to future generations, he says; and
WHEREAS, With the success of the books, Frisby has embarked on a new career as a motivational speaker and consultant in the arena of youth issues, particularly young black men. In the last few years, he has stood center stage at Princeton University, University of Texas, North Carolina A&T, Lincoln University, and his alma mater Penn State to name a few; and
WHEREAS, On his journey to inspire and motivate young adults through literacy and education, Frisby has presented to various audiences alongside such noted speakers as Will Smith, Hill Harper, Mos Def, Russel Simmons, and Olympic gold medalist Jon Drummond; and
WHEREAS, Frisby has gained acclaim for his skill as a track coach, having coached three national champions, seven state champions, and dozens of city and league title holders. He takes greater pride, however, in the strides his athletes have taken off the field. As the founder and coach of PhatBack Athletics, he has guided the lives of countless young men in his hometown of Philadelphia. In a time where drop-out rates are staggering in this nation, 100 PhatBack members have graduated high school and gone on to college; and
WHEREAS, He is prominently featured in the April 2005 issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the nation's Future Leaders and has been seen on Oprah, A&E Biography, and numerous other talk shows; and
WHEREAS, Frisby has proudly built a legacy of empowerment and achievement of young men of color and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc; now therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That the City Council of Philadelphia hereby Recognizes and Honors Mister Mann Frisby for his Accomplishments as a Novelist and his Commitment to Helping Young People Particularly African-American Males Reach their Full Potential; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be present to Mister Mann Frisby as a Sincere Expression of this Council's Recognition and Appreciation.
End