Dr. Alfred Frederick

Dr. Alfred Frederick

Alfred D. Frederick, multicultural education pioneer, distinguished professor, awarded six Fulbright scholarships, and global citizen peacefully transitioned on July 29, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.

A native of Opelika, Alabama, and son of sharecroppers Earnest Frederick Sr. and Sallie Fanny Gunn Frederick, Alfred Daniel Frederick accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church. After graduating valedictorian from J.W. Darden High School's Class of 1956, Alfred went on to receive his Ph.D. with distinction in pedagogical science from the University of Brussels in Belgium. Dr. Frederick also earned his master's degree in educational administration from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City; and his bachelor's degree in science education from Northern Illinois University, where he participated in choir and organized a musical group that won top honors. He was teaching at the Novak elementary School in North Chicago, when he was drafted for military service in 1963. He became a Military Policeman for the United States Army in Paris, France. He would go to school at night where he earned a certificate in French language and civilization from the University of Paris. In fact, Dr. Frederick wrote and defended his Ph.D. dissertation, from the University Brussels in French. After his Military service, he returned to his tenured teaching position at Novak Elementary School. His experience in Europe had made such a profound impression on him, that he began applying for teaching jobs in Europe and accepted a position as a science teacher with the International School of Brussels, Belgium, where he taught science for 14 years and invited his son, Kenneth Frederick, to complete his high school studies. While living in Europe, he also indulged his artistic side, by joining the Brussels based American Theater Company and the Brussels Shakespeare society and had leading acting roles in several plays. On occasion, he also did modeling work, while living in Europe, for some of Europe's top fashion designers, such as Yves St. Laurent.

As a world-bridger with a magnetic personality, Dr. Frederick leveraged his position as a Distinguished Service Professor of Curriculum and Instruction in SUNY Oswego's School of Education, to promote inclusion, culturally relevant education, and intercultural understanding. He accomplished this three-fold through: hosting intercultural celebrations twice a year for his students and the community of Syracuse, leading immersion field trips for his students and colleagues both within New York and abroad and creating collaborative educational research projects on three continents. In 2015, Dr. Frederick received the Outstanding International Educator Award from the International Center of Syracuse for his efforts in building an inclusive community in Central New York, including creating meaningful ties between Central New York and the communities of Benin and Brazil through his research. A fierce advocate of equity, inclusion, and belonging, Dr. Frederick was also lauded by U.S Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D- N.Y.) for his cross-cultural work both domestically and abroad.

In 2017, Dr. Frederick was awarded with the title Cidadão Piauiense (Citizen of the State of Piaui), in honor of his 25+ years of teaching culturally responsive pedagogy at several Brazilian universities, including the Federal University of Piaui, the State University of Piaui, the Federal University of Parana, the University of Zumbi dos Palmares and the Federal University of Santa Maria. In 2020, the Republic of Benin honored Dr. Frederick's contributions to the schooling process at both the primary and secondary levels through educational research, conferences, and a book based on his research conducted in selected regions of the country. His book, Bridging the Gap between Home and School: A Paradigm for Monitoring, Assessing and Improving the Schooling Process for Socio-Culturally Diverse Student Populations is published in the languages of French and English. At the request of the Ministry of Education, the book was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the objective to disseminate over 9000 copies of the book to primary and secondary teachers as well as school inspectors, free of charge.

He instilled in many educators the belief that school achievement involves more than academics. He believed that if teachers used their students' knowledge base in the planning and teaching process, they automatically enhanced the students' self-image, self-esteem, level of motivation, classroom performance and academic achievement. Equally as passionate about being an active and meaningful member of his communities, he sponsored and supported many

families, students, academics and artisans throughout his career and life.

Dr. Frederick's work and advocacy spanned more than four continents. One of his last speaking engagements was as the principal speaker at the 5th English Teachers' Celebration and Annual Conference for Teachers' Professional Development in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa. The participants represented the Republics of Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo and the United States of America. The topic of Dr. Frederick's presentation was "The Impact of the Eurocentric Male-Defined Curriculum on the Self-Concept, Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement of Culturally Diverse Student Populations: A Case for Culturally Responsive Pedagogy." This engagement embodied his expansive vision to create a diverse, culturally competent and connected teaching praxis and workforce.

With an impressive teaching career that spanned 59 years, Dr. Frederick's lifetime work has been recognized with distinction for its lasting global impact and honored with numerous awards both nationally and abroad. One of his proudest accomplishments was instilling within his family - his son and especially his grandchildren - the importance of global citizenry, cross-cultural

exchanges, and learning new languages by way of traveling the world, living abroad and connecting them with the communities and cultures that he dearly loved. Dr. Frederick was known amongst his students, colleagues, and friends for his generosity and his intercultural gatherings, which were often hosted at his home and always surrounded by great food, music, and his eclectic collection of art. His love of life was infectious, eternally impactful, and his

physical presence will be sorely missed.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie and Earnest Frederick Sr.; and siblings, Andrew Frederick, Earnest Frederick Jr., Foster Frederick and Lottie Mae West. He is survived by his son, Kenneth; cherished co-parent and dearest friend Nelle; daughter-in-love, Athena; grandchildren, Alcione, Rejane (Zokeseh Labala), Amidia, and Kobren; great-grandson, Zokayah Alfred Labala; and a host of other beloved family members and friends around the world.

Credits: To the Post Standard and SUNY Oswego News for their coverage of his

achievements, please excuse if we borrowed heavily on what was well said and what we have found heavily in drafts found edited by Dr. Alfred D. Frederick.

SUNY Oswego's Frederick named Outstanding International Educator | SUNY Oswego news + events

Alfred Frederick honored for 20 years of educational service to Benin | SUNY Oswego news + events

Brazilian state honors Alfred Frederick for contributions to education (oswego.edu)

Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. CST with Visitation from 9 a.m. CST until time of service at Christ Temple Holiness Church 610 Clanton Street, Opelika, AL 36801, christtempleholinesschurch.com,

followed by the burial at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Lung Cancer Association and/or Cancer Research Institute (New York City) in Dr. Alfred D. Frederick's name.