Eckerd maintains a close connection with the residents of Tampa Bay by hosting public events with free or nominal admission. The Plight and Promise of Africa will continue this tradition as the primary focus of the Presidential Events Series and all related College events will be open to the public. Although the majority of activities will be held on Eckerd's campus, the College will draw on its current partnerships and explore new associations to request the use of off-site venues for compatible presentations.

By inviting local colleges and universities, governmental entities and non-profit organizations to participate in the Eckerd-Africa Initiative, Eckerd hopes to provide them with the opportunity to highlight their respective programs and services that address local concerns while paralleling ones of global significance.

Tampa Bay Community Partners	Media Sponsors
The Poynter Institute	St. Petersburg Times Fund, Inc.
Florida Holocaust Museum	WUSF Public Broadcasting
The Studio@620
USF St. Petersburg
Creative Clay
Community Tampa Bay
Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA)
YWCA of Tampa Bay
Project Prosper
The Simms Team