San Diego Charger Joseph Barksdale launches Uplift 72 Foundation in Detroit

San Diego Charger powerhouse and, Detroit native Joseph Barksdale is bringing his foundation, Uplift72 to Detroit. On Thursday, Nov. 12,100 invited guest joined the Cass Technical High School graduate as he unveiled his foundation’s rebranding with a new logo, website and social media and made a special contribution of $5,000 to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to benefit specific programs for Detroit Public School students. WDIV’s Live in The D co-anchor Tati Amare served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies.
“Giving back has always been important to me. My eyes were first opened to the joy of making others happy when I was 12 years old and my Aunt took me and a few of my friends to a local downtown church to feed the homeless. This was a very rewarding and eye opening experience that put things in perspective for me. Every year since, I have made an effort to help people as often as possible by giving to various charities and volunteering when I can. Long story short, I have a passion for helping people,” said Barksdale.
Uplift 72 is a non-profit community service foundation, whose mission is to contribute to the positive self-esteem and academic achievement of youth. Named after one of the cardinal principals of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, Uplifting students is the main objective of the foundation.
Barksdale reflects, “To me, the value of helping others has gone by the wayside and it seems like today people are more concerned about flashing their wealth rather than helping out people in need. It is my endeavor to change that to uplift students. The goal of my foundation is to inspire, enrich and uplift students for success.