Book cover of The Vigorous Virtues by Joe Holland

Joseph H. De Castro was the first Hispanic-American to be awarded the United States’s highest military decoration for valor in combat—the Medal of Honor—for having distinguished himself during Pickett’s Charge in the Battle of Gettysburg of the American Civil War. In 1882 moved to New York City. At his death, his home was located at 244 West 22nd Street. His funeral was held at the 18th Street Methodist Church.

Joseph Holland is an author, attorney, speaker entrepreneur, and ordained minister with outreach ministries to the homeless and other needy people.

Holland has also served as a government official in legislative and executive capacities, as vice-president of the Harlem Business Alliance, and as a co-founder of the Beth Hark Christian Counseling Center.

Holland’s writings include an inspirational self-help book “The Touchstone Tools: Building Your Way To An Inspired Life” (touchtonetools.com); his spiritual memoir – “From Harlem With Love: An Ivy Leaguer’s Inner-City Odyssey”; his first stage play – “Cast Me Down”, which enjoyed a Off-Broadway run; and his second stage play, “Homegrown,” which experienced two extended runs at Harlem’s landmark – The National Black Theatre. He has also created a motivational video series, “Holistic Hardware: Tools That Build Lives”.

Holland is also a graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a B.A. and M.A. and was an 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.