Soul Cup History
Q&A with Dale Favors
Interview By Maya Mitchell
What is the Soul Cup and how did it come to be?
In 1998, Donald Douglas, Paul Martin, Cliff Brown, and John Perez went on a golf outing to Myrtle Beach. The following year, Dale Favors and his father joined the golf outing. By 2001, the initial group of black men had grown from 8 people to twelve people and the term “Soul Cup” was coined, to show how brothers came together. From its start in 1998, the Soul Cup today has over 50 participants who come from all over the country to spend a long weekend playing the sport they love and reconnecting with friends. The competitive golf outing doubles as a social event and networking event, as participants are both genuine friends and solid workers within their profession.
Who is Donald Douglas and what is his connection to the Soul Cup?
Douglas was one of the founding members of the Soul Cup. He is described to be a fun, lovable guy who put his soul in Soul Cup. While off the golf course, Douglas spent his thirty-plus-year career working for the New York City Department of Education. After his unexpected passing in early 2020, the Soul Cup name was adjusted to honor him.
What are some memorable aspects of the Soul Cup?
The Soul Cup is a community and a network. Competitive spirits are raised on the course, but off of it, strong friendships are formed. The Soul Cup grew because of friendships, as men would go to the Soul Cup, enjoy it, and then invite their friends to come the following year. New people participating create a bigger and more connected Soul Cup community. The power of this community is seen continuously, both in professional and personal matters.
What does the future of the Soul Cup look like?
The organization wants to continue to expand its network and keep up the fun of the tournaments. Members pride themselves on being up to support each other through their wins and losses, and they hope that it continues, along with their life-long relationships. They also hope to host mini competitions throughout the year on top of the big once-a-year competition.