Dr. Richard Briscoe Listed Among Tampa's 100 Influential African Americans
For more details on the 100 Most Influential African Americans in Tampa:
Part One provides Overview
Part Two names Dr. Briscoe (last entry on page):
Congratulations to Dr. Richard Briscoe who has been listed among the 100 Influential African Americans in Tampa.
In observance of Black History month held in February, Tampa Tribune Community Columnist Al Mccray began a quest to identify the 100 Most Influential African Americans in Tampa Bay.
"These individuals take direct and engaging roles in the affairs of their neighborhood, the government and in the business community," said Mccray. "They will play commanding leadership roles in the future development and prosperity of Tampa Bay and Florida."
As assistant professor and researcher within USF's Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS), Dr. Briscoe has spent more than thirty years developing community partnerships with the main goal of identifying the strengths of African-American families and creating neighborhood-based systems of care. He has focused on improving the academic achievement of children within African-American communities, conducting culturally competent community-based research, and developing intervention strategies to improve service delivery systems within African-American communities.
Dr. Briscoe was instrumental in the founding of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa Inc. more than 15 years ago, and the formation of its focus on affordable housing, jobs, and capital to expand the local business community. He has spent much time in the East Tampa Community providing technical assistance to improve program and service planning, program evaluation, community organizing, interagency coordination and training activities.
Dr. Briscoe was the recipient of the First Annual Kente Award, presented by the USF African-America Advisory Committee 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. In 2007, he was recognized for his work with the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership (ETCRP), and in 2008 NeighborWorks America selected him as a recipient of the Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership. Each year, eight community leaders from around the country are selected for outstanding community building, activism and service to their neighbors. Dr. Briscoe was nominated for this distinguished award by the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa.
"I have found Dr. Briscoe to be a community organizer and a true champion for children and families in the East Tampa Community. He is very creative and innovative and a joy to work with," said Clara Reynolds, executive director of Success 4 Kids & Families. Reynolds and Success 4 Kids director John Mayo nominated Briscoe for the designation.
"What impresses me about Dr. Briscoe is his dedication to making East Tampa a better place to live," said Mayo. "He is tenacious about it and won't give up."
"Richard Briscoe's entire career is reflective of his determination and desire to improve the lives of people in our local communities," added Dr. Mario Hernandez, Chair of the Department of Child & Family Studies. "Congratulations to him on such a well-deserved honor."
The Department of Child and Family Studies is committed to improving the well-being of individuals, children, and families within communities across the country through promoting respect, inclusion, development, achievement, mental health, and an optimum quality of life.