Frederick L. Nickens IV was born and raised in New York City, later proudly serving in the United States Army for 23 years as an Armor First Sergeant, retiring in 2012. He has a bachelor’s degree from Grantham University in General Studies and a Master’s degree in History from American Military University and a Principal Certification from Lamar University.

Currently he is a High School Assistant Principal. He also serves on numerous boards and commissions to include the Chair of the Texas Democratic Veterans Caucus, Black Caucus Committeeman to the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) for the Texas Democratic Party, Chair of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. He is the former 2 term Historian for the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters (TCAC). In 2017 he Co-Authored a book titled “The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: Origins of the Eastern Region.” He is happily married to fellow veteran Tarnesha Nickens and has five children and eight grandchildren.