U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today the United States Post Office located in East Tampa on East Hillsborough Avenue is officially renamed the Reverend Abe Brown Post Office.  Castor's bill redesignating the post office was signed into law by President Obama on Friday. Castor held a news conference today with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, members of Brown’s family and many East Tampa community leaders to celebrate the change.

 “Rev. Abe Brown was an inspirational community leader, pastor and educator,” Castor said. “He had high expectations for all and devoted his life to students and on reconnecting ex-offenders to jobs and a better life through his ministries. Now we are paying him tribute by renaming the post office in his memory. It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you.”

 Added Nelson: “Abe Brown was a cornerstone of the Tampa community. Today’s event was a great way to honor his work which continues to inspire people across the state.”

 The Rev. Brown died in Sept. 2010 after serving the Tampa Bay community for years. He was the beloved pastor of the First Baptist Church of College Hill, Hillsborough County Public Schools educator, football coach, dean of students at Chamberlain High School and founder of Prison Crusade Ministries, later renamed Abe Brown Ministries. He was dean of students at Chamberlain when Castor attended high school.

“The Rev. Abe Brown devoted his entire life to helping others, whether in the classroom, in the guidance office, on the football field, in his church or through his ministries,” Castor said. “He was a role model for our youth, and an inspiration for our community. By renaming the post office, we are helping his legacy live on.”