“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." (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

Detroit Native, San Diego Charger Joseph Barksdale Launches Uplift 72 Foundation

DETROIT, MI - San Diego Charger powerhouse and, Detroit native Joseph Barksdale bringing his foundation, Uplift72 to Detroit. on Thursday, November 12, 2015 Invited community, business, philanthropic and civic leaders joined the Cass Technical High School graduate as he unveiled his foundation’s rebranding with a new logo, website and social media along with a special contribution of $5,000 to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to benefit specific programs for Detroit Public School students.

“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.

ABOUT The Uplift72 Foundation
Founded in 2013 by Detroit native, San Diego Chargers Offensive Tackle Joseph Barksdale, Uplift 72 is a non-profit community service foundation. The mission of Uplift 72 Foundation is to contribute to the positive self-esteem and academic achievement of youth by leveling the playing field through access and opportunity by providing properly fitting clothing and shoes for larger sized students, supplying instruments to students interested in instruction and to promote healthy life-style choices.

The vision of the foundation is to enhance the quality of life of youth by helping to remove barriers to success by eliminating obstacles facing larger sized students, supporting musically inclined students and encourage health and wellness possibilities.

ABOUT Joseph Barksdale
Joseph Barksdale was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan by his parents Joseph and Rita Barksdale. He graduated from Cass Technical School in 3.5 years Summa Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3.5 with a concentration in engineering. He was a member of the National Honors Society. Joseph was consistently on his schools’ academic Honor Roll for every report card marking for every semester from grades 1 through 12. Joseph also found time in his rigorous and busy schedule to ‘give back’ to his community through mentoring and volunteerism. He was an integral member and leader of the Northend Church of God in Christ’s youth group and his community volunteer work included feeding the homeless.

After high school, Joseph attended Louisiana State University and graduated from the College of Science and Arts while also becoming a 4-year letterman on the football team and earning All Sec honors. He joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. during his college years and has participated in countless community service projects since his induction. In 2009 Joseph was drafted to the Oakland Raiders in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He is currently an Offensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers.