Joseph Holland

Joseph H. Holland is a writer, attorney, entrepreneur, civic leader and ordained minister with over forty years of experience serving the community. Holland has operated a Harlem-based real estate law practice and used his management skills to build commercial enterprises and expand employment opportunities in Harlem. He was instrumental in establishing an American Express Travel Office, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor, a Body Shop retail store, and Harkhomes, a homeless shelter whose residents found work in these businesses. He presently serves as an elder of Harlem’s Bethel Gospel Assembly.

Holland has written two professionally produced stage plays as well as six books,  including the 2023 publication “Make Your Own History: Timeless Truths From Black American Trailblazers” (josephholland.com/make-your- own-history).

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Holland has served in government in several capacities, including Director and General Counsel to the New York State Senate Housing Committee as well as New York State Housing Commissioner where he managed over 1,500 employees.

A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a B.A. and M.A. and was an All-American and Academic All-American football player, Holland has served as a member of the University's Board of Trustees since 1988. He holds his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School.