In this powerful and deeply human episode of Talk of the Town with John Adams, community leader and 2024 Bush Fellow Fred Edwards Jr. returns to share his inspiring journey—from surviving a drunk driving accident at 18, to founding Fred's Dissonance and co-directing Umoja Inc. With Juneteenth celebrations on the horizon, Fred discusses cultivating youth leadership, the future of Black excellence in Fargo, and the legacy he’s building with family at the center.
Together, John and Fred explore what it means to “stay black,” stay hopeful, and stay active in the fight for equity—from Fargo to the Congo.
💥 Standout Moments (Timestamps):
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0:09 – Fred’s Origin Story
Fred introduces Fred's Dissonance and the sober, cultural spaces he's built in Fargo–Moorhead.
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1:20 – 72 Graduates, 60 College-Bound
Stunning stats from Umoja’s latest cohort and what it says about youth potential.
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2:33 – The United States of Africa?!
A passionate segment on African unity and colonialism, ending with: “What if North Dakota was its own country?”
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5:11 – This Generation Has Solutions
Fred and John dig into why Gen Z gives them hope—especially with AI, VR, and civic engagement.
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6:05 – “Hope is the Homework”
A speech by an Umoja student becomes a heartfelt meditation on preparing the next generation.
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9:15 – From 1.5 GPA to Doctoral Dreams
Fred shares his personal transformation and how opportunity changes everything.
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12:13 – A Fellowship for Rest and Renewal
Inside Fred’s Bush Fellowship journey: wellness, global travel, and becoming the best version of himself.
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14:08 – “You Energize Everyone Around You”
John opens up about meeting Fred—and why he's hitched his wagon to this rising star.
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16:04 – Letters to Family 💌
Raw, emotional words of gratitude for Fred’s parents, wife, and 4-year-old daughter.
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22:03 – Juneteenth as Celebration and Education
Why Fred's 3-city Juneteenth festivals (Jamestown, Moorhead, Fargo) matter now more than ever.
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29:10 – Bubble Art, Shea Butter & Afro-Futurism
A colorful preview of Fargo’s Juneteenth: DJs, food trucks, cultural stations, and community love.
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34:35 – John’s Final Rant: Protesting is Patriotic
A fiery and heartfelt closing monologue on immigration, civil rights, and what makes America worth fighting for.
https://www.youtube.com/live/FwFvPVHpJT4?si=i_C68q3n5WPQR4S7