By Hanna Singh
Elders and other vulnerable individuals in Lincoln Parish received brand-new air-conditioning systems to “beat the heat” this summer, thanks to a compassionate UPS driver and his team.
Former Harlem Globetrotter James “Big Brown” Joseph created this philanthropic initiative, delivering air conditioners and fans to those in need, providing relief from the Louisiana heat.
Joseph, a UPS employee from Baton Rouge who played collegiate basketball at Abilene Christian, has been delivering air conditioners to people across Louisiana for the past 15 years. Through his philanthropic program, “Big Brown Reaching Out,” his team has raised funds and installed over 24,000 air conditioners as part of an initiative called “Beat the Heat.”
It all started in 2009 when Joseph was delivering packages for UPS and noticed an elderly woman living in a home without air conditioning. He saw elderly people sleeping on the floor at night because according to her, it was cooler closer to the ground.
“Our elderly families are the ones being the most affected by the heat,” Joseph said. “Most of these people have done their job in the US, working hard, and now they’re living on a fixed income. We provide these air conditioners because why can’t we do for them what they’ve done for us?”
Seventeen UPS facilities across the state have dedicated their funds and time to supporting Joseph’s cause. This summer, his campaign focused on Lincoln Parish and its surrounding areas, including Ruston, Grambling and Jonesboro.
About two weeks ago, they installed around 40 air conditioners in this region and are returning this Saturday to target several more areas, including Quitman and Shady Grove.
Joseph credits his inspiration to help others to his mother, Lily Joseph, and his uncle, Jesse Joseph. They were well-known in the Eden Park community in Baton Rouge for their generosity, and Joseph wanted to continue their legacy of giving back.
“Looking out for those in need, that’s why we started this organization in the first place,” Joseph said. “Our goal is to keep our elders and those who need us out of the heat.”
In 2017, Joseph was the recipient of the Jim Casey Community Service Award, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a UPS employee.
