MIAMI NATIVE WHO ROSE FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTO A NATIONAL VOICE RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA
A young man who grew up in inner-city Miami, attended local public schools and became the first in his family to earn a college degree is now helping shape the future of education and the workplace for 1.8 million Americans.
That journey will take center stage September 22 at Nova Southeastern University, where Fedrick C. Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), will be featured in the latest screening of the Emmy Award-winning A Hero of a Thousand Faces documentary project.
The screening, presented through a partnership between the Hero of 1000 Faces Project and NSU Libraries, will take place at noon in the Cotilla Gallery on the second floor of the Alvin Sherman Library. The film presentation will be followed by a discussion and opportunities for community engagement. REGISTER
For media, the event offers an opportunity to meet and interview a South Florida native whose career has taken him from Miami public schools to the national stage.
“Fedrick’s story is exactly why we created this project,” said Producers Michael Anderson and Gabriel Andrews. “We believe heroes are often people we see every day, but whose journeys and contributions are rarely fully understood or celebrated. His story connects Miami, education, leadership and national impact.”
Ingram currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, representing 1.8 million educators, healthcare professionals, public employees and higher education faculty nationwide. He previously served as president of the 140,000-member Florida Education Association.
His public service has included leadership with the NAACP Foundation, AFL-CIO, Union Plus and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. From 2023 to 2025, he also served on President Joe Biden’s Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.
But the national leadership role began much closer to home.
Raised in inner-city Miami, Ingram attended public schools before earning a music scholarship to Bethune-Cookman University. He became the first member of his family to graduate from college. He later earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University and is pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership.
“Perspective is vital because it determines how you see the world and the paths you will take,” said the filmmakers. “Through these stories, we want audiences to see the world through the perspectives of Black men whose lives, choices and contributions can challenge assumptions and inspire new possibilities.”
The Hero of 1000 Faces project seeks to document the lives of extraordinary men whose stories might otherwise go untold. To date, the project has completed 38 short documentaries, with 20 additional films in development.
The partnership with NSU will bring the project to the university’s Alvin Sherman Library through a quarterly screening series designed to create conversation around leadership, resilience, service, purpose and community.
“Libraries are places where stories connect people, challenge assumptions, and encourage lifelong learning,” said Diane Klein, M.S., Director of Library Partnerships, Engagement, and Promotion at NSU Libraries. “We are proud to partner with the 1000 Heroes Project to bring these powerful films to our community.”
Previous Hero of 1000 Faces documentaries have featured individuals including world-record-setting pilot Barrington Irving; NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little; and Miami-born celebrity chef Richard Ingraham.
The filmmakers believe the definition of a hero extends far beyond fame.
“The heroes are behind the camera. The heroes are in front of the camera. And the heroes are sitting next to us on any average day,” said Anderson. “Heroes are everywhere.”
MEDIA & EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: A Hero of a Thousand Faces Documentary Screening featuring Fedrick C. Ingram
WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nova Southeastern University, Alvin Sherman Library, Cotilla Gallery, Second Floor
ADDRESS: 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
COST: Free; parking fee applies
