[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1635243430437{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 25px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1635242877777{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1635242906843{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”4047″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1678813886191{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1632771009872{padding-top: 30vh !important;padding-bottom: 30vh !important;background-image: url(https://abebrown.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ABM-COVER-Live-the-Brown-Legacy.02.jpg?id=2953) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Live the Brown Legacy™” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:70px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:60px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-2px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1625615022574{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 55px !important;}”][vc_row parallax=”content-moving”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”“When you know better, you do better.“ – Abe Brown” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23006c64″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” css_animation=”none” custom_letter_spacing=”-1.8px”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css_animation=”none” animate_duration=”1.25″][vc_column css_animation=”none” width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]In 1976, Coach Abe Brown picked up a newspaper and was shocked to see that one of his former football players had been charged with murder. Upon visiting this young man in prison, Coach Brown realized that he had taught young men how to play football, but he felt he could have done more to teach them how to live. Deeply moved with the tremendous spiritual needs of those confined to penal institutions, Coach Brown committed his life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that young men will know God’s rules of life. It was then that he incorporated Prison Crusade Ministries, now known as Abe Brown Ministries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1501469736493{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”2378″ css=”.vc_custom_1628690171926{padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-color: #00497a !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row css_animation=”none”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_custom_heading text=”About Our Founder” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” css_animation=”fadeInDown” custom_letter_spacing=”-1.8px”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”none” disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Abe Brown worked in the Hillsborough County School System for 38 years, with the first 23 of those years being spent as both teacher and coach until retirement from active coaching in 1972. That same year, he earned a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Florida A&M University.

He excelled as a motivator to young people, both on the playing field as well as in the classroom, and has been used to turn men’s hearts to the Father.

Coach Brown was eventually called to God’s Vineyard and was ordained as a member of the clergy and from 1993 until 2007, Rev. Brown served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of College Hill.

Below is a sampling of the numerous honors, awards and designations the man known to many as “Coach Brown”, “Abe” and “Rev. Brown” has received for his dedication and vision for our community.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3061″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1631135428748{padding-top: 10px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-university” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Honored on Congressional Record by State Representative Kathy Castor (March 2010)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-school” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”New Middleton High School stadium named “Abe Brown Stadium” in his honor (2008)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1631133126570{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-medal” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Received the GEBA (George Edgecomb Bar Association) Francisco Rodriguez Award for Outstanding Public Service (2005)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-football-ball” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Received the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Community Quarterback Award (2001)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-trophy” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Presented with an award for Dedication from DACCO (2001)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1631134497813{padding-top: 20px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-medal” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Selected for the America’s Award (“The Nobel Peace Prize for Goodness”) for dedication through the Norman Vincent Peale Foundation (1993)” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-friends” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Co-Founder of Citizens for a Decent Community, an assemblage of persons loyal to fighting street drugs” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1631140337743{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”far fa-hospital” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Served on the Board of Directors of Florida Health Sciences Center/Tampa General Healthcare” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-flag-usa” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Appointed to the Governor’s Florida Commission on Responsible Fatherhood” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-users” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Appointed by Secretary Harry K. Singletary of the FDOC to the Board of Directors for Foundation for Partnerships in Correctional Excellence” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1631134497813{padding-top: 20px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-users” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Served on the Board of Directors for the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-graduation-cap” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Elected to the Board of Directors for Trinity College of Florida” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1631140452609{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-bible” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Served as an Advisory Council Member position for Faith Theological Seminary” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-praying-hands” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Served as a Promise Keepers Task Force Member” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-futbol” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#ffffff”][vc_custom_heading text=”Appointed by Mayor Sandy Freedman to the Board of Directors for Tampa Sports Authority” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1631558713385{padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_custom_heading text=”In Memorium” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23006c64″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1.8px”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]Rev. Brown was well known and highly esteemed throughout the Tampa Bay area. The quotes below are from his memorial service and are a true testament to his character and legacy.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”top” css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]

It’s one thing to help people that can help you, but Rev. Brown made it his mission to help people that may not ever be able to help him. And that was the lesson he taught me.

Tony Dungy, former Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1631141324844{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Our city is a better place because he lived. Moreover, we are better individually for having known him. With his quiet strength, he reminded us, all that a good life is in the eyes of God has nothing to do with titles or wealth, but everything to do with simply helping your fellow man. It is a legacy that will endure.

Pam Iorio, former Mayor of Tampa

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Abe Brown was the rock. And he was a stickler for the rules. Often when you arrived in his office, he would just let you sit and stew and think about what you had done. But you just knew you were going to be okay.

U.S. Rep Kathy Castor, Chamberlain High School alumni, reflecting on when Abe Brown was her Dean

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeInDown” width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1628689608534{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text][contact-form-7 id=”1786″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1625605756204{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1498705509079{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”1960″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″][vc_btn title=”$50″ style=”gradient-custom” gradient_custom_color_1=”#259189″ gradient_custom_color_2=”#006c64″ shape=”round” size=”xs” align=”center” button_block=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row]