CFS's Richard Briscoe Receives Honor for Contributions to the African-American Community
University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft will join the USF African-American Advisory Committee to honor six people for their commitment to the community on October 24 at 6 p.m. at the Lifsey House, USF Tampa.
The first Kente Awards will be given to members of the community and to USF faculty and staff who have fostered improved relationships between the African-American community and the university. The word “Kente” comes from two Asante words that together mean “whatever you do to it, it will not tear.” It is the ceremonial cloth of kings intended to be a visual representation of history, philosophy, ethics, moral values, codes of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought and aesthetic principles.
The following USF faculty members are recipients of the 2002 Kente Awards:
- Richard Briscoe is a professor in USF’s Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute who has conducted research on predominantly African-American neighborhoods in Tampa.
- Cheryl Rodriguez is an Africana Studies professor whose research has included the HOPE VI project.
- Aaron Smith, a social work professor, has done a great deal of work with Grandmothers United and USF’s Kinship Care program.
Community members receiving the award include the following: - Joyce Latson, who recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia, was a longtime member of the USF African American Advisory Committee. During her tenure she was deeply committed to working as an active volunteer of the committee.
- Gloria Anthony, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of workforce and community development, is a USF alumnus and has worked tirelessly to be a liaison between USF, the African-American community and the greater Bay area.
- Glenn Cherry, owner and general manager of WTMP radio, has been very supportive of USF through numerous campus programs and providing employment opportunities for USF students.
The USF African-American Advisory Committee determined that each of the recipients have made sustained contributions to the Tampa Bay area minority environment, including tackling tough community issues, addressing unmet human or educational needs, mobilizing and inspiring volunteers. They also identified the recipients as hands-on and innovative leaders who teach important lessons and learn from others.
The Kente Awards are co-sponsored by the USF Office of Community Relations and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
The Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS) is a department of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida. The faculty and staff of CFS are committed to enhancing the development, mental health and well-being of children and families through leadership in integrating research, theory & practice.