About the author
He is a renaissance man in every sense of the word.
Mister Mann Frisby is nationally renowned for his passion for writing and empowering young people. While he has thrived as a force in the literary world, the South Philadelphia native has also humbly succeeded as a mentor and community activist.
Frisby, 35, began his journalism career at the Philadelphia Daily News in 1997. It was only the second time in the newspaper's storied history that someone was hired as a staff writer immediately after completing a three-month internship.
He made a name for himself by covering fast breaking news and writing features on everyone from
A-list celebrities, to convicted murderers. He stepped out on faith in 2000 and left his highly coveted reporting job to pursue a career as a novelist. At the time of his resignation, he was one of the most
popular entertainment columnists in the city.
The Penn State grad self-published his first novel, "Blinking Red Light", in May of 2002.
After selling more than 15,000 copies mostly from the trunk of his car and local bookstores, he was
given a two-book deal from Penguin Books.
Penguin re-released "Blinking Red Light" under its Riverhead imprint in May of 2004, and followed with his second novel, "Wifebeater", in March of 2005. In January of 2006, he released a motivational book for teenagers entitled "Holla Back…But Listen First: A Life Guide for Young Black Men" under his Skye Larieux Publishing imprint, named for his 8-year-old daughter.
The theme of Arcadia University's annual "Black Male Development Symposium" was changed that year to reflect the principles of "Holla Back..." after the event's founder read the book.
"It is my calling to create literature that will entertain and inspire young people to grow and achieve on every level," said Frisby, who recently released an updated edition to the motivational book which includes chapters for young women as well. "My career has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the most talented and inspirational people in the world, and I aim to past on their wisdom to future generations."
With the success of the books, Frisby has embarked on a new career as a motivational speaker and consultant in the arena of youth issues, particularly young black men. In the last few years he has stood center stage at Princeton University, University of Texas, North Carolina A&T, Lincoln University and his alma mater Penn State to name a few.
On his journey to inspire and motivate young adults through literacy and education, Frisby has presented to varied audiences alongside such noted speakers as Will Smith, Hill Harper, Mos Def, Russell Simmons, and Olympic gold medalist Jon Drummond.
Frisby has gained acclaim for his skill as a track coach, having coached three national champions, seven state champions, and dozens of city and league title holders. He takes greater pride, however, in the strides his athletes have taken off the field.
As the founder and head coach of PhatBack Athletics, he has guided the lives of countless young men in his hometown of Philadelphia. In a time where drop-out rates are staggering in this nation, 100% of PhatBack members have graduated high school and went on to college since 2003.
He is prominently featured in the April 2005 issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the nation's "Future Leaders" and as been seen on Oprah , A&E Biography, and numerous other talk shows.
Frisby recently moved to Los Angeles where he is pursuing a film writing career and attempting to continue his legacy of empowerment and achievement for young men of color. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
All inquiries regarding speaking engagements and consulting work should be directed to mistermannfrisby@gmail.com .