“Our New President Speaks”

By

Ernest E. Garrett III

Fred Michael Beam was born in Covington, Georgia and grew up in Tampa, Florida. He currently resides in Greenbelt, MD. Fred graduated from the National Technical Institute of the Deaf with an A.A.S. degree in Electromechanical Technology (Rochester, NY), as valedictorian with a B.S. Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Tampa Technical Institute (Tampa, Florida), and is working towards a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. Fred is currently the Executive Director of Invisible Hands, Inc., a non-profit organization that exists to promote deaf awareness through the performing arts. He is also the director of two dance companies, The Wild Zappers and The National Deaf Dance Theater, is a professional dancer, actor, choreographer, and workshop presenter, and served as the Alternative Eastern Regional Representative during the 2007 NBDA Conference.

Ernest: When did you first hear of NBDA and what inspired you to become involved?

Fred: What inspired me to be involved? I remember the first time I went to the Virgin Islands. I was there, just for vacation and heard that NBDA was going to be there. Then, we were invited to perform and help with Miss NBDA. After that, I see that the people of NBDA need leaders to inspire others. I became hooked from there. 

Ernest: Can you share with us about your involvement with NBDA at both the local and national levels?

Fred: At the local level, I was a board member of DCABDA for a number of years, and was President of DCABDA for 4 years. I also was the founder of Mr. DCABDA that led to Mr. NBDA in Jamaica. Recently, I was Co-Chair of DCABDA’s 25th
Anniversary Banquet.  I have been in many positions/committees at the local level.  At the National Level, I helped with several Miss DCABDA pageants and presented several volunteer performances for pageants and banquets.  I was the entertainment coordinator for the NBDA Conference in Jamaica and I gave workshops/ presentations to several groups including Y.E.S., College Student Leadership, and the general population.
    
Ernest: Why did you decide to run for President of NBDA?

Fred: I felt that it is my calling to take the challenge. At this point, I just want to use my leadership skills at the best of my ability. I strongly believe in the quote “It is not what an organization can do for you; it is what you can do for the organization."

Ernest: What plans do you have for executing your role as NBDA President over the next two years?

Fred: There are many plans that I would like to execute. I will list a few here:

1. Move what we have that is working for NBDA to the next level  and improve the quality of our programs.
2. More unity between local chapters and the national board, as well as more partnerships with other organizations.
3. Involve history, arts, education, and the family with deaf children, and interpreters of the Black Deaf community. 

Ernest: How do you plan to balance your responsibilities as NBDA President with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

Fred: It is about time management. Once you have a great time management, you can manage to get through. I feel that communication among the community, officers and the board is critical to make things happen. And through the power of prayer to God. 

Ernest: What do you believe are the most important issues that NBDA should focus on and why?

Fred: We need funds for a home office or a place where we can display our history. We also need to write books for the next generation to read. We need to make films for everyone to see us in a positive light. We live in a rapidly changing society. We need to set positive goals and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.

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