BACKGROUND: Fred Yeakey was born in Indy, graduating from Arlington High School, before pursuing a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from Kentucky State University and a Master’s of Education from Marian University. His family roots go back generations in Indiana to the small farming community of Lyles Station (just north of Evansville), the only documented African American farming community still in existence in the U.S.. It was the place of countless family gatherings – and where Yeakey witnessed the power of different races and generations thriving together in community.
Named after his grandfather (who was a 4th generation ‘Frederick’), Yeakey’s given name means peaceful ruler. “That is how God has wired me, with a passion for bringing people together and being a connector, a bridge-builder.”
For six years, he has served Providence Christo Rey High School (PCR) as vice president, as well as interim president from November 2019 to May 2020. Yeakey and his wife, Danijel, are proud parents of Frederick, Chelsea, and McKenzie. Part of their community is found at the north side church his parents now co-pastor, Jesus House of Prayer Temple, where he directs youth programs and the choir. He also serves on the board of Heroes Foundation for cancer research, and the foundation board of Christ Church Cathedral.
YEAKEY’S IDEAS FOR A BETTER INDY
For more information, contact Fred at fred.yeakey@gmail.com.
Check out this short video of Fred in action at The Shop at Providence Cristo Rey.
Named after his grandfather (who was a 4th generation ‘Frederick’), Yeakey’s given name means peaceful ruler. “That is how God has wired me, with a passion for bringing people together and being a connector, a bridge-builder.”
For six years, he has served Providence Christo Rey High School (PCR) as vice president, as well as interim president from November 2019 to May 2020. Yeakey and his wife, Danijel, are proud parents of Frederick, Chelsea, and McKenzie. Part of their community is found at the north side church his parents now co-pastor, Jesus House of Prayer Temple, where he directs youth programs and the choir. He also serves on the board of Heroes Foundation for cancer research, and the foundation board of Christ Church Cathedral.
YEAKEY’S IDEAS FOR A BETTER INDY
- ASK GOD WHAT HIS PLAN FOR YOU IS. Yeakey knew leadership was his calling and it could have taken him anywhere. “One day, I just asked God what he wanted for me and he said, ‘go back home,’” Yeakey relates. “So I’m here on assignment,” he says, “and it’s a lot easier to go through difficulties when you know you’re in the right place. I’ve said ‘no’ to great opportunities because it wasn’t what God asked.”
- DON’T BUILD A MONUMENT, BUILD A MOVEMENT. From his ambassador role as “Mr. Kentucky State University” his senior year, to his work at PCR and in the church, rather than looking back at what’s been accomplished, he is always looking forward, asking ‘where can I make a difference?’ or ‘where can I set a record someone else will be motivated to break?’ At PCR, he’s recruited more than 80 companies to sponsor high school interns one day a week, and raised more than $1 million as interim president during the early days of the pandemic. He is building a movement to secure the future of at-risk youth in the city.
- MOVE BEYOND MENTORSHIP TO SPONSORSHIP. Sponsorship goes beyond mentorship, he says, guiding, sharing privilege, and discipling others to make sure they don’t fail or fall behind. Community involvement is key, particularly with the “earn to learn” corporate internship program Yeakey is responsible for at PCR. “It’s a phenomenal model,” says Yeakey. “It’s working and we have to continue to enlarge it because more young people need it.”
- BUILD BRIDGES, UNIFY. Yeakey believes the most pressing question for Indy is how to unify. “Choose the rock to put in the stream that can redirect the water,” he says. “C7 has a unique capacity to do that – bringing diverse races, generations, and thoughts under the umbrella of Christ.”
For more information, contact Fred at fred.yeakey@gmail.com.
Check out this short video of Fred in action at The Shop at Providence Cristo Rey.
