Author and entertainment executive Fred Whitaker is inviting us to “Come on a Journee with Me to D.C.” in his new book, written alongside his sister Courtney Whitaker! As the father of a young daughter, he has sought to highlight the value that Black fathers have in the lives of their children, and how their presence is perceived by the children. With this being his second book chronicling adventures with his daughter, HBCU Buzz caught up with the North Carolina A&T State University graduate to learn more about his life as a successful author and father.
The latest book is part of the “Come on a Journee with Me” series, which covers adventures in different cities. “Come on a Journee with Me to NYC,” was published in 2020, and has won several awards. The books are geared towards elementary-aged children, and inspired by Whitaker’s daughter, Journee, and niece, Briley. “While at one of the bookstores, Journee expressed to me that she would love to read a book and see characters that looked like her,” said Whitaker. “That sparked the idea of creating a children’s book based on our lives.” By he and his sister creating the series with young girls and also Oreo the dog, we’re able to follow the lessons the children are learning by traveling to different cities. In this latest trip to D.C., the family members learn about the history and landmarks within the Nation’s Capital.
The books have been as inspiring for the Whitaker family as they have for readers. For one, the books are a way for parents to understand how valuable quality time with them can be to children, while also broadening the outlook and cultural competency of children through travel. “I am inspiring them to think outside the box and to continue believing Black girls can do anything,” said Whitaker. “Specifically, seeing the girls hold our first book in their hands for the first time and purchasing a billboard for our second book are additional proud moments. It made everything full circle as it was something we discussed and now it has come into full fruition. The girls watching me execute and the smiles on their faces made it all worth it.”
The Whitakers are ultimately a prime example that parents can find a balance between the responsibilities of work and quality family time. Fred Whitaker currently serves as CEO and manager of Journee Enterprises, which is a talent management and consulting firm. He has worked to elevate the careers of La La Anthony, Angela Yee, Terrence J and other celebrities, plus he’s secuted partnerships with Amazon, AT&T, Tylenol and more. His sister Courtney Whitaker is a powerhouse as well, working not only as a writer for the “Journee” books, but as a co-executive TV producer and creative entrepreneur. She has a passion to tell the stories of underrepresented groups through media. She has written articles, poetry, short stories, done screenwriting and more for XoNecole, Style Caster and more. Her development and production work has extended across shows like Turning The Tables With Robin Roberts on Disney+, VH1’s Hip Hop Squares, and more. She currently serves as a creative executive and co-executive producer for The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
Get your copy of “Come on a Journee with Me to D.C.” here today! You can follow Journee and her family on Instagram here.
