Fred B. Ward is a nationally recognized community builder, reentry strategist, and advocate for systemic justice reform, with a legacy grounded in decades of direct service to Cleveland’s most underserved communities. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Khnemu Foundation—established in2008—Ward created a pathway for returning citizens to reclaim their dignity through civic education, mutual aid, and empowerment. The foundation expand edits impact with the launch of The Khnemu Lighthouse Center, a neighborhood hub promoting leadership, healing, and revitalization through the mantra “turning neighborhoods into communities.”

Ward’s visionary approach to dismantling record-based discrimination led to the creation of the Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Necessary Political Action Committee (FIIN PAC) in 2016, and the development of the Khnemu Leadership Homes—holistic transitional housing for returning citizens. These efforts eventually inspired the launch of TNIC, the foundation’s construction arm that now builds affordable and transitional housing throughout Cleveland’s inner-city neighborhoods.

In addition to housing and reintegration, Ward has prioritized community mental health and violence prevention through initiatives such as CLFC: OUST, Triple O C, and the Community T.R.U.S.T. Initiative, which trains residents in Mental Health First Aid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he mobilized block clubs and faith-based partners through FACTS CLE, a grassroots response effort that delivered food, PPE, and wellness checks, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted leader in times of crisis.

In 2020, Ward advanced his impact statewide by becoming State Director of Building Freedom Ohio (BFO), a membership-led organization that equips formerly incarcerated individuals to lead in legislative advocacy and social justice. Under his leadership, BFO launched the Felony Impacted Liberation Movement(FILM), a metaphorical “On the Ground Railroad” that guides justice-impacted “Passengers” toward reintegration and civic participation with support from trained community “Conductors.”

Ward’s work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Ideastream Public Media, Cleveland 19 News, Signal Cleveland, and WBUR’s Here & Now. Notable articles include “Understanding his childhood trauma led this Cleveland man to heal humans and houses” by Cardell Belfoure, “Khnemu Foundation mentoring youth to keep them away from crime” by Caitlin McCarthy, and “Building an ‘On The Ground Railroad’” by Stephanie Casanova. He has also contributed to national discussions on voter participation and racial equity in stories like “Grassroots Ohio group empowers people with felony records to participate in democracy” and “New Research Reveals Diversity Within Black Electorate.”

Ward is the author of Degrees of Understanding, with a forthcoming book titled The Loss of American Citizenship. His voice and leadership have been captured in films like Dispatch from Cleveland, and his efforts have earned honors such as the NAACP Cleveland Unsung Hero Award and the Cleveland Colectivo Youth Community Development Award.

Educated in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Ashland University and Cleveland State University, Ward further refined his leadership through the Executive Leadership Development Experience (ELDE) in 2024. Whether he is building homes, mentoring youth, or shaping public policy, Fred B. Ward remains a steadfast force for justice and healing—transforming barriers into bridges and neighborhoods into empowered communities across Ohio.