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Tampa, FL – Andrew Joseph, Jr. died unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon in Tampa. The beloved husband and father of two became known around the world as one of the strongest voices in the Black Lives Matter movement after his son #AndrewJosephIII was killed as a result of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s misconduct in 2014. Andrew – the elder – often said that he turned his “pain into purpose” by working to end police violence, to advance child safety, and to support the families of those who were killed by police and white-supremacist violence. 

With his wife of 28 years and partner in all things, Deanna Joseph, he founded the Florida chapter of Black Lives Matter Grassroots and serves as the founding Rapid Response Coordinator and on-the-ground lead for the worldwide organization. The family birthed the Andrew Joseph III Foundation in his son’s honor. Mr. Joseph served as lead facilitator for Chosen Fathers, a community of dads who provide collective healing justice after tragic losses. Prior to entering social justice work, he was an educator in alternative high schools and a little league football coach. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph were high school sweethearts who suffered the unimaginable pain of the death of their fourteen-year-old son, and went on to comfort, support and advocate for scores of families whose loved ones’ lives were stolen through state-sanctioned violence. 

Andrew, who was born and raised in New Orleans, moved to Tampa with his young family seeking refuge from Hurricane Katrina. He is survived by his wife, Deanna, and daughter, Deja, who graduated from Howard University with honors just last weekend. 

A public funeral for Andrew Joseph Jr. is set for Saturday, May 23rd in New Orleans. A memorial service in Tampa is also being planned for a later date.