Former U of M receiver gives back to his native Detroit

In a time where everyone’s pockets are stretched thin, it’s easy to forget about charitable work. When it’s difficult to take care of themselves, giving back becomes harder and less appealing. Braylon Edwards hasn’t forgotten.
Edwards, Detroit native, Michigan alumnus and Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, is no stranger to lending a helping hand.  He started the Braylon Edwards Foundation in 2005, dedicated to aiding the educational and hunger needs of Metro Detroit area families.  Edward’s foundation to date has donated over $ 1 million to support education and health initiatives.  
This includes the recent partnership between his foundation Feed the Children and Focus: Hope.  
“It’s about giving, that is what we do,” Edwards said. “It’s about partnership … community and hope, i.e., Focus: Hope.”   
Edwards’ mother, Malesa Plater, is the foundation’s executive director. She said that Edwards started his charity earlier than recommended.
“He knew that the way to give back was to build a foundation, build some power behind himself and get others to come on board and help him to give back. He really wanted to form it now even though all his advisers suggested that he actually form it later,” she said.
Those advisors had suggested waiting five or six years into his playing career, when he is more established.
“He wanted to do it now when people would return his call. When you’re at the top of your game, people return the calls, so that’s why he decided to do it now,” Plater said.
Edwards can thank his mother for his motivation.
“She’s the one who instilled into me the importance of giving back, community work, never forgetting where you come from, so naturally she just ran with the show,” Edwards said.
Focus: Hope and Edwards have been working together on charitable projects for five years now. The organization was founded after the riots in 1967 by Eleanor Josiatis and Father William T. Cunningham. Josaitis is very grateful for Edwards’ partnership.
“It shows that celebrities can come back and pay back this city, and that’s a great example for a lot of young people, and for a lot of people in the city to say, ‘you know, people care,’ and they want to be part of the solution,” Josiatis said.
On Detroit’s northwest side, the foundation encompasses over 44 acres with training, food, childcare center, an education, information technology and engineering program. They feed people and give them the education necessary to get off of the food program and become financially independent.
“Our mission has always been intelligent, and practical action will overcome racism and poverty,” Josaitis said.
Josaitis has received honorary doctoral degrees from Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Notre Dame and the University of Detroit Mercy among others.