Florida
NFL Teams Amplify DEI In Florida’s Marginalized Communities Amid Corporate Rollbacks
Sarasota Herald-Tribune News in 60 seconds, Jan. 30
Here are the top three stories in Sarasota-Manatee., Jan. 24-30.
As major corporations across the country scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, the NFL is doubling down on its commitment to social justice and economic empowerment in Black communities. Through its Inspire Change initiative, the league is directing millions toward education, criminal justice reform and economic advancement — efforts that are particularly resonant in cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and New Orleans, where Black communities have long fought for equitable opportunities.
With Super Bowl 59 on the horizon, the question remains: Can the NFL’s sustained push for social equity help offset the retreat and dismantling of corporate DEI programs?
The Big Picture: How the NFL Sustains DEI Efforts While Large Corporations Dismantle
Corporate DEI initiatives are waning across the country, but the NFL’s Inspire Change program remains a cornerstone of its social justice efforts, focusing on education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Since the league’s rebranding in 2017, the NFL has amplified its support for racial equality and social justice, a shift sparked by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s 2016 protest against police brutality during the national anthem. Today, the NFL has the highest number of Black employees among the four major professional sports leagues, with Black players and staff making up 53.5% of its workforce in 2023.
The league’s commitment to equity is reinforced by Inspire Change, which has invested more than $375 million in social justice causes to date. The program supports more than 650 local nonprofits, 1,950 player and Legend grants, and 50+ national grant partners working to dismantle systemic barriers in underserved communities.
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, underscored the league’s long-term commitment ahead of Super Bowl 59.
“The NFL is proud of the positive impact we’ve made through the Inspire Change initiative. Over the years, we’ve provided critical support to communities through meaningful partnerships, investing over $375 million from the NFL family to create lasting change,” Isaacson said via email.
“Our commitment to social justice continues to drive us as we work alongside players, teams and organizations to address systemic challenges. This is not just about making a difference; it’s about creating an enduring legacy of opportunity, community and empowerment for all.”
One of the program’s key efforts, the Inspire Change Changemaker Award, is now in its third season. Each NFL team selects a local Changemaker, awarding them a $10,000 grant to further their work in social justice. As the league expands its partnerships and grant programs, its sustained efforts stand in stark contrast to the widespread rollback of corporate DEI initiatives.
Empowerment in Motion: A Play-by-Play of Florida NFL Teams’ DEI Efforts
As corporate DEI programs shrink, the Jacksonville Jaguars are expanding their commitment to economic empowerment and social justice through targeted initiatives in the OutEast community there.
During Super Bowl 59 week, Jaguars Vice President of Social Responsibility T-Neisha Tate will join a Players Coalition panel on Building Black Wealth, discussing heirs’ property legislation, a critical issue for Black families fighting to retain generational land.
Locally, the Jaguars have been instrumental in revitalizing the historical community known there as OutEast. Their investments include funding a computer lab at The Corner at Debs Store, a once-shuttered grocery store in a food insecure region that now provides fresh food, career services, and financial education to residents. The team has also contributed $50,000 toward the reconstruction of Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the country.
Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead, the team’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, has expanded his Armstead Academic Project to Jacksonville, focusing on literacy and financial education for underserved youth. His Sound Mind workshop series introduces students to STEAM education and social-emotional learning, reinforcing the Jaguars’ mission of fostering long-term economic impact in Black communities.
Buccaneers Address Affordable Housing Barriers in Tampa Bay
In Tampa, the Buccaneers have strengthened their Inspire Change efforts by partnering with grassroots organizations tackling systemic inequalities.
This year, the Bucs recognized LaKendria Robinson, founder and CEO of The Orenda Collective, as their Inspire Change Changemaker. Her work focuses on helping businesses implement impactful DEI strategies and connecting minority, women, veteran and LGBTQ-owned businesses with vital resources.
Kourtney Sanchez, the Buccaneers’ chief impact officer, emphasized the team’s commitment to lasting community change.
“Our Social Justice Initiative is designed to create real, lasting change in the Tampa Bay community. From providing food security through our D-Line Mobile Food Pantry to addressing housing disparities with Habitat for Humanity, our programs are built to directly support individuals and families who need it most.”
Among the team’s key initiatives:
- The D-Line Mobile Food Pantry operates twice a month, providing two weeks of food for more than 250 families at each event.
- The Buccaneers’ Social Justice Fund, launched with a $1 million commitment from the Glazer family, supports local nonprofit initiatives.
- The team has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to fund new home construction and revitalize homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Dolphins Drive Social Justice in Miami-Dade
The Miami Dolphins continue to champion social justice through the Inspire Change initiative. This season, the team honored Jowharah Sanders, founder of National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), as their 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker for her work in bullying prevention and youth mentorship.
Recognized during the Dolphins’ Inspire Change game on December 22, Sanders received a $10,000 NFL Foundation grant to further her nonprofit’s impact in Miami-Dade County.
Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller praised Sanders’ contributions:
“We are proud to recognize Jowharah Sanders as our 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker award recipient. Her work has directly influenced the lives of local youth and their families, and we are grateful for her dedication to advocacy and equity.”
Beyond organizational commitments, Dolphins players have a history of activism.
- Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, and Michael Thomas were among the first NFL players to protest racial injustice by kneeling during the anthem in 2016.
As Super Bowl 59 approaches, the Dolphins’ long-standing advocacy aligns with the league’s broader Inspire Change efforts, reinforcing the role of athletes as catalysts for social progress.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl 59 and Beyond
As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl 59, the New Orleans Saints are reinforcing their economic empowerment efforts through the Impact 59 Powered by Entergy program. The initiative, launched in December 2024, has already awarded $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations focused on workforce training, education, and economic development.
“Super Bowl 59 is about more than just a game,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints at the Impact 59 kickoff in December.
“It’s about showing up for our city, supporting our neighbors, and ensuring that we leave a positive, lasting legacy in the community.”
Samantha Gholar is the social justice reporter for USA Today Network-Florida. Connect with her through email at sgholar@gannett.com
Florida
Will SNAP benefits be sent to Florida recipients in November? What to know about shutdown
Government shutdown impacts SNAP benefits
State health officials say food assistance could be cut off for millions if the government doesn’t reopen in the next few days.
Fox – 4 News
Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on food stamps to provide or supplement their food budget may see their benefits for November delayed if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, earlier this month, alerting them that funding is running out and they won’t receive disbursements for November if the shutdown persists. SNAP provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food.
That will affect the 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.8 million in Florida, the state Department of Children and Families confirmed. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”
SNAP benefits for October will continue and DCF is still processing initial applications and renewals, DCF spokeswoman Anna Archambault confirmed in an email. Newly approved recipients may receive notification about November eligibility, but will not get benefits yet.
Here’s what to know.
What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.
It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Why aren’t SNAP benefits going out in November?
The federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Florida, SNAP is managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS).
The federal government shutdown is affecting large areas of the federal government, including the Agriculture department. SNAP benefits were already obligated for October but further funding may be delayed.
How does SNAP work?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.
Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.
Can I still use the balance on my EBT card?
Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Florida?
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household. Eligibility rules are set at the federal level but individual states may change them. In Florida:
- You must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and be able to prove your identity. You must have a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
- Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements for SNAP unless exempt, such as being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student. Additionally, adults aged 18 – 59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T).
- Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some household expenses such as shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, earned income deduction may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget.
- Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
- Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.
Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54. The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.
What can I buy with SNAP benefits in Florida?
Households can use food assistance benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for their household to eat.
Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
Who is ineligible for Florida SNAP benefits?
Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:
- Conviction of drug trafficking
- Fleeing a felony warrant
- Breaking SNAP Program rules
- Noncitizens without a qualified status
- Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances
Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
Florida
University of Florida Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan to Take Leave of Absence – Florida Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Head Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan will take a leave of absence from his coaching duties to address personal matters, effective immediately.
During O’Sullivan’s absence, Chuck Jeroloman will assume leadership of the baseball program on an interim basis.
“I appreciate the support of the University and athletic department, “said O’Sullivan. “I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.”
“Coach O’Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters,” said Athletics Director Scott Stricklin. “We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision, and respect his need for privacy.”
Florida
The Browns: A Brotherly Basketball Bond – Florida Gators
“Very clearly,” he said.
As for AJ Brown, two years Isaiah’s elder, not so much.
“Controversial ending,” he said.
Rewind to maybe a decade ago. Game point. Isaiah down 14-13. Next bucket wins. Isaiah tried using his bigger body to back his brother down, but AJ held firm. A drive to the left didn’t work. Drive right, same result. AJ walled up both times.
It was time to make things simple.
“I just backed away and threw up a shot,” Isaiah said. “It went in and I ran into the house.”
The historic victory was announced to the rest of the family, as Isaiah made way to his bedroom, followed closely behind by a protesting AJ. The game, apparently, was not over.
“We’re going to 21,” AJ said.
Back out they went.
The Browns’ basketball journeys – both together and individually – have been defined mostly by fierce competition that culminated with crowd-pleasing success. They won a two state championships together in high school. AJ became a mid-major standout at Ohio University in the Mid-American Conference. Isaiah, two years later, chose the high-major route, signed with Florida and celebrated a national championship as a freshman.
Now, in 2025, their paths that began in an Orlando driveway have converged two hours north, where AJ and Isaiah are now teammates for the Gators and – it just so happens – battling one another for backup minutes at the small forward and shooting guard positions.
And they’re totally cool with it.
Bottom: Cute kids mugging for the camera
“For me, it’s basketball. The better player wins,” AJ said. “Whatever the coaches see as the best fit for the season, that’s what it’s going to be. I mean, we’re going to be competitive. We’re going to be at each other’s throats. But at the end of the day it’s the coaches’ decision.”
Also, at the end of the day, they’re brothers; the first sibling tandem, in fact, to team up for Florida men’s basketball since Dwayne and Travis Schintzius played half the infamous 1989-90 season together (before that, it was Joe and Pat Lawrence from 1984-87).
“There is never going to be bad blood between AJ and me,” said Isaiah, who goes by “Zay” to his team. “It’s more like, if he plays, I’m glad. ‘Yeah, go for it.’ If I’m playing, he’s going to cheer for me.”
Coach Todd Golden, entering his fourth season at Florida and seventh as a head coach, has a system based on rotation of eight or nine players that gets squeezed as the season goes deeper.
The Gators are stocked in the front court and that includes with junior Thomas Haugh, arguably the best sixth man in the country last season, locked in at the “3” spot after playing almost exclusively as a backup “4” the last two years. It is the backup role to Haugh – as well as the third shooting guard behind Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee and returning junior Urban Klavzar – where the Brown brothers are fighting for minutes in the rotation.
Through the first month of fall practice, freshman CJ Ingram distinguished himself at the backup “3” and has played large chunks of practice on the blue (or front-line) squad during full-contact scrimmages.
AJ and Isaiah, meanwhile, have been almost exclusively running with the white (or scout) team and looking to make their mark. There’s still time to do so.
“They’ve both been up and down, but they’re competing and that’s all we ask,” said UF associate head coach Korey McCray, who tutors the guards and is quick to remind the reserves how three of the starter’s on last season’s 36-4 squad missed games due to injuries. “What it looks like today may not be what it looks like that tomorrow. You have to stay ready.”
The coaching staff, in turn, must have a hand in that.
“You keep coaching them, keep encouraging them, but it has to come from themselves,” said Taurean Green, who oversees player development. “They’re both older players now. Zay is in his second year. AJ is a veteran college player. This is his fourth year. They know what to expect in college basketball. They’ve got to be able to bring it consistently. They know what it takes to play at a high level and what it takes to win.”
AJ is 21 with 62 career games and 731 points. Isaiah is 19, with just 19 games and 36 points on his short resume. The Browns were five years younger when they won the first of back-to-back Class 2A state championships at Orlando Christian Prep. AJ once scored 35 in game. Isaiah later topped that with 45.
So, yeah, they know how to win, but they also have individual games that aren’t much alike. That’s fitting. They also don’t look much alike, despite both being 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds.
“You should see my twin sister,” AJ said. “She looks nothing like me.”
Added Isaiah: “The best way to explain it is that he’s more Type A and I’m more Type B. I’m going to let it happen, he’s going to make it happen. Honestly, I think that’s the only way we’re different because we both love to laugh, listen to the same music and are strong in our faiths. We’re common in so many ways.”
But not basketball.
Here’s how father Ronald Brown Jr. described his sons’ respective skill sets: “Finesse player versus a brute.”
AJ is the former. At Ohio, he averaged 11.4 points over his three seasons, with a career-high of 28 in the 2023 Mid-American Conference Tournament game against Ball State as a freshman (earlier that season, AJ scored 14 points in an 82-48 loss to UF at Tampa). As a senior, he finished at 13.2 points a game on 47.1% from the floor, 38.8 from the 3-point line and 82.0% from the free-throw line. For context, his 139 makes from distance were 22 more than Walter Clayton Jr. banged last season for the Gators. At his best, he can stroke it.
But while a run of double-digit scoring in 15 of 16 games in ’25, AJ suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against rival Miami-Ohio. Six weeks later, he watched on television as Florida defeated Houston for the NCAA title in San Antonio on April 7.
“I was so happy for my brother. I felt like I was there,” he said.
AJ went into the transfer portal and followed his younger sibling to UF. Less than a month into his Gainesville arrival, AJ underwent surgery to fix his shoulder, then spent almost the entire summer rehabbing before being cleared for full-contact work just before the start of official fall practice. The potential for a medical redshirt ’25-26 season is something he has not ruled out. Whatever happens, AJ’s return to being the hot-shooting Ohio Bobcat version of himself is progressing.
“Honestly, the Lord has been good to our family,” Ronald Brown said. “AJ had other options and, truth be told, he really loved playing for Ohio. But the opportunity came up and it was something, as a family, we sat down and talked about. Even for AJ, as many years as he was at Ohio and how much he played, he understood that coming to Florida was like starting over again. Everything was going to be different. Everything was going to be harder. But playing with his brother was ultimately why he made the decision.”
Isaiah, a lefty with bounce, totaled 71 minutes as a collegiate rookie last season, with his most meaningful on-court time (six minutes) coming in a Southeastern Conference home game against Vanderbilt with Clayton sidelined by an ankle injury. He had nine points (with a pair of 3s) in seven minutes earlier in the season against Florida A&M and seven points and four rebounds in 10 minutes against North Florida. He is, by far, the better athlete of the two brothers, with the ability to draw on that athleticism to be physical when determined to do so.
Even AJ admits as much.
“Not everybody can be blessed with a 40-inch vertical jump,” he said.
Though he combined to play just three minutes in the Gators’ six NCAA Tournament games, the sight of Isaiah in tears and hugging best friend Micah Handlogten amid the post-game national final celebration at the Alamodome made clear what the season meant to him.
“One of the things that he understands was that he might not have played on the court, but he was part of the program and helping guys get better each and every day,” Ronald Brown said. “A lot of people don’t understand or appreciate how much the day-to-day routine and practice matter.”
Fast forward to present day.
The Browns play almost exclusively on the white team during scrimmages. In facing Haugh, Alex Condon, Reuben Chinyelu and friends, some days are tougher than others for the backups, which only means they need to increase their toughness. Play through. Compete.
Two weekends ago, for example, the white defeated the blue in an O’Dome scrimmage, much to the delight of the coaches (and the irritation of the starters). The Browns, after a stretch of some struggles that week, were terrific that day. Isaiah, especially.
When at their best, according to Green:
* On Isaiah: “A big, athletic, physical SEC body. He has a high motor. When he plays under control he is an effective player. Just needs to keep the game simple. Crash hard, throw his body around.”
* On AJ: “He needs to get his rhythm back and hunt shots. He’s a very good shooter. He’s got a slow and smooth release, but he’s a smart enough player to get it off and know he has to be aggressive on offense. It’s harder on the white team, but they’ve been practicing long enough to understand what they’re up against, who they’re up against and what they need to do.”
In other words, keep working, keep competing as if it was a driveway grudge match.
Email senior writer Chris Harry at chrish@gators.ufl.edu Find his story archives here.
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