BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this week, two historic African American schools learned that they were chosen as the recipients of Events For Cause Foundation. Davin Joseph, who recently re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the creator of the foundation.

The program will provide nutritional pre-game meals and hydration during training and games for the football teams of both Middleton and Blake High Schools. During the segregation era, the two schools were the only two historically African American high schools in Hillsborough County.

Kennedy’s Down Home Barbecue, of Brandon, owned by Ernest Kennedy, Sr., and Ernest Kennedy, Jr., will provide the meals. “We have been feeding Davin for 3 years. He just likes our food. We are happy to partner with his foundation.

“Davin just wants the students to have a good pre-game meal to sustain them, especially before they play. It is important that the boys eat properly to have stamina and energy.”

Joseph said, “I’m excited to work with both Blake High and Middleton High in building a stronger and more positive, influential base for their extracurricular programs that are so important to their communities.” 

Joseph further stated that he has participated in other ways of giving back in Tampa. But he wanted to do something that would make a difference in the community. “We wanted to go into an area where it felt like no one was giving much help. The schools were meeting their basic needs, but the kids need a meal before a game, recovery snacks, and sports drinks.”[private]

He also said that his organization is seeking to make the programs stronger and more attractive for the youngsters living in those communities. “We want the kids from the communities to want to come participate in the programs and make a difference. Then we can let them give back,” he said.

Joseph has been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the past six years. He launched his foundation, Events For A Cause,” in his hometown of Hallandale Beach, Florida. This is his first initiative in Tampa.

When asked if this was a one-year initiative, Joseph said, “We’re adopting Middleton and Blake. We’re committed to them.”

He further said that while each school has different needs, other areas such as band, orchestra, and drama will benefit as well. This initiative has been in development for about a year.

Joseph is a native of Hallandale Beach, Florida and was an athlete at Hallandale High School. He said is hoping to enter partnerships with other organizations in the community to fill vital needs as well.[/private]