Violence in Our Community Series
We Defend, Protect, and Serve our community and cultivate our children’s gifts and talents.
Est. 2014 · 501(c)(3) Public Charity
FDK Foundation, Inc.
Hope · Opportunity · Purpose · Empowerment
The FDK Foundation exists to defend truth, restore dignity, and empower youth and underserved communities through advocacy, education, faith-based mentoring, arts, entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic engagement for stronger futures.
What We Do
Programs
Youth Mentorship & Education
Youth mentorship and education in music, culture, arts, literature, and business, helping young people discover the talents and gifts God placed in them.
Black Heritage Festival
The Black Heritage Festival and year-round community events hosted by the FDK Foundation.
Civic Engagement Speaking
Civic engagement speaking that encourages neighbors to stay informed, involved, and active in community life.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution programs that help people work through differences with dignity and care.
Voter Registration Drives
Voter registration drives that help community members get registered and ready to participate.
Coat Drives
Coat drives that help neighbors stay warm, with care and dignity, when the weather turns cold.
Feeding the Homeless
Outreach that feeds neighbors experiencing homelessness and welcomes them with care.
About the Foundation
Our Mission
“The FDK Foundation exists to defend truth, restore dignity, and empower youth and underserved communities through advocacy, education, faith-based mentoring, arts, entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic engagement for stronger futures.”
The FDK Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity, established in 2014 and based in Monroe, Louisiana. The Foundation was founded by Funyanna Kirkpatrick-Saulsberry, known as “Ms. Fun,” a Magic 106.1 radio personality, and her husband, Co-Founder Dyrick “Rick” Saulsberry.
Donations to the FDK Foundation are tax-deductible under IRC Section 170. Federal Tax ID (EIN): 88-0939119.
In Honor Of
Legacy
Our Legacy
The FDK Foundation is named in honor of the founder’s grandfather, Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick, co-founder of the Deacons for Defense and Justice in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He also created the Hope Mobile.
That charge continues in the Foundation’s work today: standing with youth and underserved communities through advocacy, education, mentoring, and civic engagement.
The New York Times called him “an associate of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference” and its “director of folk culture.” Dr. King asked that “Everybody’s Got a Right to Live” be recorded and distributed as widely as possible (1968 Broadside liner notes).
Honors & Recognition
On August 6, 2020, Mayor Leslie C. Thompson of the Town of Jonesboro, Louisiana proclaimed Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick and Funyanna Kirkpatrick Saulsberry Day, “for commemorating and perpetuating the great and incomparable Kirkpatrick Legacy.” The proclamation names Funyanna the “torchbearer of legacy.”
Northeast Louisiana Music Trail Marker #30, Grambling
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail unveiled a historical marker honoring Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick (1933–1986) at the City Park Pavilion, 119 Park Street, Grambling, Louisiana.
A celebrated musician, singer-songwriter, teacher, coach & minister. As a civil rights activist, ‘Brother Kirk’ was co-founder of the Deacons for Defense & Justice. His work with Dr. Martin Luther King & the SCLC, as well as his recordings with folk music legend Pete Seeger & many others, is included in the Smithsonian Institute’s historical collections. Born in Haynesville & a proud graduate of GSU, he found his calling in Jonesboro. The Kirkpatrick family retains strong ties & deep roots in Grambling, LA. ‘Everybody’s Got a Right to Live.’
Northeast Louisiana Music Trail #30.
With heartfelt gratitude to Enoch Doyle Jeter, Lincoln Parish Tourism, and the Kirkpatrick family, whose generous support made the Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick marker possible.
KNOE: Grambling to install marker honoring Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick Watch the unveiling video
Marker unveiling
Grambling State University Honors Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick
Grambling State University honored Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick as co-founder of the Deacons for Defense and Justice with “Voices of Grambling: Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick, the Deacons for Defense, and the Legacy of Civil Rights” — a conversation on his legacy, plus a performance of Rev. Kirkpatrick’s songs by the Grambling State University Choir. The Grambling State University Choir’s performance included Rev. Kirkpatrick’s civil rights anthem, “Everybody’s Got a Right to Live.”
The Music of Brother Kirk
Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick recorded as “Brother Kirk,” and his songs, including the civil rights anthem “Everybody’s Got a Right to Live,” carried the movement’s message. He and Pete Seeger were among the original Hudson River Sloop Singers.
FDK in the News
KTVE/KARD Louisiana Living
5th Annual Black Heritage Festival
Feb. 22, 2024
KNOE
Town of Jonesboro honors Deacons for Defense and Justice, unveils new civil rights marker
July 7, 2023
KTVE/KARD Louisiana Living
FDK Foundation
Feb. 26, 2025
KNOE
Grambling to install marker honoring Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick
June 13, 2026
Monroe Dispatch
Deacon for Defense and Torch Bearer
Aug. 20, 2020
Monroe Dispatch
Legacy and Footprint
Aug. 20, 2020
Monroe Dispatch
Looking Black: Irma DeTiege Black History Tribute
March 6, 2025
New York Times
Rev. F.D. Kirkpatrick; Associate of Dr. King
Aug. 27, 1986
Programs in Action
Youth
Supporting Youth
Zaila Avant-garde became the first African American winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021. She is also a basketball prodigy and holds multiple Guinness World Records for dribbling. The FDK Foundation was proud to celebrate her, and she is wearing Funyanna’s brand, Louisiana Hot.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution with Boom High School Fraternity at Neville High School.
Violence in the Community
Civic Participation
Voter Engagement
Partnership with Black Voters Matter
The FDK Foundation has partnered with Black Voters Matter on nonpartisan voter registration and community canvassing, helping neighbors register, get informed, and make their voices heard.
Final Day of Early Voting, Nov. 2, 2024
We hit the streets on the final day of early voting, connecting with residents and bringing the energy with swag, free food, and 2 live DJs, Truck and Lonnie.
Canvassing with Carroll High School Ambassadors
Canvassing with Carroll High School Ambassadors.
ULM Block Voter Registration Drive
The FDK Foundation and the ULM NAACP college chapter held a block voter registration drive at the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Grambling State University Registering Voters
Registering voters at Grambling State University.
We Are Outside! Voter Registration Drive
Together in Monroe
Community and Partners
Black Futures Lab at the Black Rodeo
Black Futures Lab partnered with the FDK Foundation at the Black Rodeo held at the Monroe, Louisiana Civic Center.
C.I.T.I.E.S. Back to School Supplies Giveaway
C.I.T.I.E.S. (Community Initiatives to Increase Economic Sufficiency) partnered with the FDK Foundation for a Back to School Supplies Giveaway on Saturday, August 25, 2018, 9 AM to 12 PM, at Powell Recreation Center, co-sponsored by Atmos Energy.
Honoring Monroe’s Activists at Juneteenth
At its Juneteenth Celebration, the FDK Foundation paid homage to Monroe’s long-running activists, presenting Community Service Award plaques to Marie Brown (UMOJI) and a second honoree.
FDK Foundation in the Community
Events
The FDK Foundation hosts events year-round, including the Black Heritage Festival, along with civic engagement speaking, conflict resolution, voter registration drives, coat drives, and feeding the homeless.
- Black Heritage Festival
- Year-round community events
- Civic engagement speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Voter registration drives
- Coat drives and feeding the homeless
Upcoming dates and event details will be posted here.
Join Us
Get Involved
Volunteer
Help with community events, coat drives, feeding the homeless, and other foundation programs. Call or email us to learn how you can serve.
Contact UsDonate
Your gift supports youth mentorship, education, and community outreach. Donations are tax-deductible under IRC Section 170.
Give a GiftPartner / Sponsor
Businesses and organizations are invited to partner with or sponsor the FDK Foundation’s programs and events. Reach out to start a conversation.
Become a PartnerGive
Donate
Thank you for considering a gift to the FDK Foundation. Your support helps us serve youth and underserved communities.
FDK Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Federal Tax ID (EIN): 88-0939119. Donations are tax-deductible under IRC Section 170.
DonateDonation link coming soon
To give by mail, write to us at 102 Masonic Street, Monroe, LA 71220, or call 318-893-0626.
We Would Love to Hear From You
Contact
Feel free to call or write. We welcome questions about programs, events, volunteering, partnership, and giving.
Mailing Address
102 Masonic Street
Monroe, LA 71220
Phone
Email
Email coming soon. Please call 318-893-0626.