Student Spotlight - Justin Freeman

Justin Freeman

Q: What are your major/and or minors?

Philosophy.

Q: Why did you choose to become a philosophy major?

I chose to become a philosophy major because of Professor Albrecht, who teaches Philosophy of Law at LaGuardia Community College. We had many conversations that would last after class, and she suggested many times that I study philosophy. I was also introduced to Frantz Fanon by a classmate around that same time, which continues to have a significant influence on my worldview (weltanschauung). My experience with professors and classmates at Brooklyn College that I've had the pleasure of learning, working, and receiving mentorship helped validate that interest.

Q: What are your goals for the future? Do you have plans to attend graduate school, or do you have a career in mind upon graduation?

I'm taking a gap year and plan to apply to a liberal arts program to study philosophy, sociology, or African-American literature. I would love to become a professor and perhaps a political or cultural pundit.

Q: What are your interests in philosophy?

I'm deeply interested in Black existentialism, intersubjectivity, Spinoza and monism, and Jean Baudrillard.

Q: Who are your favorite philosophers?

I'd say my favorite philosophers would be Frantz Fanon, Immanuel Kant, and (regrettably) Hegel.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote by a philosopher?

"The last shall be the first and the first last." This quote comes from Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth. Regarding decolonization, a reversal in any power dynamic in society never puts things back the way the initial aggressor found them. There will be forever afterward this struggle with identity among the oppressed and a strained and irreparable relationship with the oppressor.

Q: What is your favorite book in philosophy?

Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon.

Q: Have you had any recent accomplishments such as conferences you attended/presented at, awards/scholarships you have received, contests you have one, publications you have made, and so forth?

I was given a Merit Award from the Brooklyn College Philosophy Department. I was awarded a fellowship in the Cooper-DuBois Mentorship Program. I was a finalist at the Yale International Policy Competition in February. I recently won a debate at the NYC Political Forum, where my team favored abolishing the Electoral College. Lastly, I participated in Coronavirus in Brooklyn autoethnography project in collaboration with the Social Science Research Council. I produced a piece called "Remembering One Pandemic While Experiencing Another," which was submitted to the Brooklyn College Library and the Brooklyn Historical Society.