by Shanique Yates

July 26, 2024

New Jersey’s Oldest All-Black School Building to Become a Museum Celebrating Black History

The State Street School in Newark, New Jersey is the city's oldest building and may soon become a museum to celebrate its Black history thanks to new development plan.

The oldest school building in New Jersey may soon become a museum to celebrate its Black history.

Located in Newark, the 179-year-old State Street Public School is the only remaining location of the city’s former school for Black students, as well as the home of the first Black principal in the city’s school system. Although the school has been vacant for decades, officials still aim to turn the building into a place where people can gather to learn more about its Black history.

“At some point in time you have to preserve what you can,” said Marian Bolden, who has led the efforts to turn the school into a museum since before she retired in 2008. “It’s certainly the oldest school building still standing, but it was also a building that served as a school of the ‘colored’ children. There’s a historic significance to the building.”

Newark-based developer, the Hanini Group, purchased the property in 2019 for $650,000 as a part of an initiative to liquidate vacant buildings while the district was controlled by the New Jersey Department of Education as a part of a state takeover from 1996 to 2018.

Thanks to the district’s first top administrator since the takeover ended, Roger León, there is a goal to reclaim buildings sold under the state plan and turn it into a place where people can gather to learn Black history. A 2020 lawsuit allowed the State School to be reclaimed by the district, ultimately leading to a settlement agreement with the Hanini Group in 2023.

Per the details of the contract, the district is to pay the Hanini Group to redevelop the school as the Newark Public Schools Museum. The project, set to take place in three increments, will kick off with a $2.5 million payment to begin the redevelopment, a $1 million payment once it is halfway finished, and then a final $1 million once the project is complete.

According to a Park Service document, since the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the State Street School’s first Black principal, James Miller Baxter Jr., was first hired by Newark as a teacher in 1864 at the age of 19 when the school was housed in a different location. Just two months later, he was appointed to principal and led the all-Black school until its closing and his retirement in 1909

“This was the official end to segregated schools in Newark, 45 years before the Supreme Court’s historic decision ordering an end to all separate but equal provisions nationally,” read the official documents.

While many are excited about the school’s museum revitalization, and the role it will play in teaching the city’s Black history, others have voiced concerns about the heavy lifting and costs of the project.

“At a time when children are not proficient in math, children are not proficient in reading, what is that doing to help them?” said Oscar James, a former Newark City Council Member who has two children in local charter schools and expressed his frustration about his tax dollars going into the school redevelopment project. “We have a Newark Public Library. We have a Newark Museum (of Art). Why would Newark public schools want to be taking on such an endeavor?”

A museum consultant with knowledge of the State Street School revered the upcoming redevelopment program, but warns that they should assess the building’s condition to see if the project is even worth it in the end.

“I’m always in favor of bringing these untold stories to light,” said Claudia Ocello, CEO of Museum Partners Consulting in Maplewood. “Anybody owning an old house or is in charge of an old building knows that there is a lot of maintenance involved.”

At this time, memorabilia and artifacts that would be housed in the museum are current stored in the city’s Malcolm X Shabazz High School and include class photos, school uniforms, wooden desks, ink wells, pins and rings, and 120-year-old report cards, amongst other historical items that could soon be on display for people to experience.

No set start date or completion date has been set for the State Street School museum project yet.

by Stacy Jackson

July 26, 2024

The Obamas Officially Endorse Vice President Harris

It's a great Friday for Kamala Harris!

Vice President Harris has officially been endorsed by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama in her bid for the presidency.

The Obamas broke the news to their longtime friend via a phone call, according to a video released by Harris on July 26. “We called to say Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama said, bringing a smile to Harris’ face.

The former prosecutor is looking forward to support from the Obamas as she fights for the top spot in the White House. “The words you have spoken and the friendship you have given over all these years mean more than I can express,” she responded.

“We’re gonna have some fun with this too, aren’t we?” she added.

The phone call found Vice President Harris full of gratitude as Michelle reiterated to her friend that she was on the road to a historic moment. “I am proud of you,” Michelle said, calling the VP her girl.

CNN reports that the Obamas recognized Vice President Harris’ accomplishments in a joint statement. “Kamala has more than a resume,” the couple stated. “She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands. There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.”

The endorsement announcement follows Barack’s initial decision to hold back from endorsing the VP, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously noted. Barack released his statement earlier this month with confidence the Democratic Party would “be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

The support from the Obamas came just ahead of the Aug. 19 Democratic National Committee, which BE reported is a crucial moment for Vice President Harris as she fights to be named the official Democratic running mate. The endorsement from the couple, who made history in the White House in 2008, follows President Joe Biden’s decision to end his bid for the presidency and appoint Vice President Harris as his successor.

by Anne-Lyse Wealth

July 26, 2024

How Cedric Nash Went From Employee To Millionaire Boss

Millionaire Mentor Cedric Nash Went From Earning $36K to Becoming a Millionaire at 32. In this article he shares how he did.

Originally Published Feb. 7, 2023.

Cedric Nash, also known as “Your Millionaire Mentor,” is an award-winning entrepreneur, wealth coach, and the founder of The Black Wealth Summit, an annual event he created to provide wealth literacy to the Black Community.

Nash is also the author of the recently released book Why Should White Guys Have All The Wealth? He started his career as a consultant earning less than $40,000 a year, became a millionaire at 32 years old and scaled his business ventures to $90 million in annual revenue.

Nash shared that a common thread he noticed while reading other personal finance books was that the books did not address the challenges Black people face in a white man’s world when trying to become wealthy.

“We face unique challenges when it comes to increasing our income and opportunities. I went from $36,000 a year out of college to making millions scaling my business with no outside investments, no rich parent, and no rich uncle. I want to give people the roadmap to do it,” Nash told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

During the interview, Nash shared that, today, he has built a net worth well over $50 million by following principles anyone with the right mindset and discipline can apply to build wealth. He shared some of those principles during our interview.

Expanding His Network

Nash credits four millionaire mentors he met as a young man with helping shape what he thought was possible for him.

“I had these four millionaire mentors. They shaped my mindset and gave me a vision of what to do with money. They were in my neighborhood. They were building houses and owned buildings. One of my mentors was a consultant when I was in 11th grade, and he inspired me to become a consultant. He was a janitor at a prison but had to stop working when he hurt his back. He was always reading, was an avid investor in the stock market and started buying real estate. He had a basement apartment and I asked if I could live there. I paid him to live there just because I wanted to be around him.”

Educating Himself

Nash, inspired by his mentor, focused on educating himself outside of school. He credits books like How to Be Your Own Stockbroker, The Magic of Thinking Big, Think and Grow Rich, and What Makes the Great Great for preparing him to become wealthy. Reading expanded Nash’s mind to what was possible and provided tools he could use to build wealth. He prepared himself by processing information that he would be ready to use once he had accumulated funds to start investing. Nash inherited $10,000 after his grandmother’s passing. At the time, she was earning $200 a month working at a laundromat. Nash invested his inheritance in the stock market and continued to invest on a regular basis.

Creating a Plan

Inspired by his mentors and new knowledge, Nash wrote a plan of what he wanted to accomplish over the next five to ten years. “I remember graduating from college, looking at the buildings named mostly after white guys. I wanted to do that too. So I wrote a plan of what I wanted. I lived very frugally and bought my first condo right out of college. I wrote a plan for the next five to 10 years and then went to work. I put that piece of paper away and found it years later, and I had hit 99% of those goals.”

Nash emphasized the importance of having a plan and documenting your starting point, end game, budgeting, and clarity on how much wealth you aspire to have.

“What’s your current net worth? How much cash do you have? How much income do you have to work for? How much income do your assets automatically produce for you? Your endgame is that point where you choose not to work anymore or decide to use your gifts and talents in the ways that you choose to.”

“Which assets do you want? How much income do you want to generate from those assets? Do you want to be just financially comfortable or financially independent? Do you want to be rich or ultra-rich? So you need to have a very specific target that you’re aiming towards.”

Figuring Out How to Earn More and Invest the Difference

Nash believes that an essential part of building wealth requires earning more money. You have to figure out how to increase your earnings so you have more to save and invest.

“Creating a plan for your investments is key. You have to earn from your main hustle, side hustle, and, eventually, investment hustle. But, if you fix your mindset and add a willingness to do the right things with your money, you will be on your way to wealth.”

Nash believes that building wealth is possible for anyone who is wealth-literate and has the right mindset. But, once we acquire the wealth, to make a long-term positive generational impact, we have to teach the next generation how to grow money and pass it down to the next generation so that the next generation can live off the income that those assets generate and continue to grow the assets.

Written by Anne-Lyse Wealth

Chicago, Black-owned Grocery store, 40 acres

by Jameelah Mullen

July 26, 2024

Wisconsin’s Only Black-Owned, Full-Scale Grocery Store Meets Community’s Needs

The husband-and-wife team of Maurice 'Moe' and Yashica Spears Wince hope to bring healthy food options to one of Milwaukee’s food deserts with their Sherman Park Grocery.

Located in West Milwaukee, Sherman Park Grocery is the only full-scale, Black-owned grocery store in Wisconsin. Co-owners Maurice “Moe” and Yashica Spears Wince founded the grocery store to meet the community’s needs, home to nearly 80% of Black residents.

“Sherman Park Grocery grew out of resident listening sessions, led by Bishop Walter Harvey, on the heels of civil unrest six or seven years ago. We listened and responded to their concerns. The neighbors have embraced us, and the kids call me ‘Uncle Moe,’ It’s been great. Last July 29, we celebrated one year in this location,” Maurice said to The Milwaukee Community Journal.

The Milwaukee natives both experienced food and home insecurity while growing up. They founded the Sherman Park Grocery Store to address the food insecurity and health issues disproportionately affecting Black Americans.

“Diabetes and hypertension are just some of the health concerns in our community. Providing fresh vegetables and fruits helps address those issues. We were taught that you only have one temple, and you have to take care of it. Eating healthy and exercising helps you do that,” Yashica told The Milwaukee Community Journal.

Last spring, the store collaborated with Americans For Prosperity to provide $60 gift cards for 100 customers. Maurice says that the collaboration helped to address food insecurity in the community.

“Food is justice, and today we’re providing that justice through fresh fruits and vegetables,” he said in an interview with Fox 6 Milwaukee.

The Winces say they believe in circulating dollars within the community. They support other entrepreneurs with their partnership with UpStart Kitchen, a shared-space kitchen that supports small culinary businesses. Nine of these businesses sell products at Sherman Park Grocery. Upstart members purchase goods from the store and wash their clothes at Wince’s laundromat, also located in Sherman Park.

Colin Kaepernick, Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, Independent Autopsy, Trey Reed

by Jameelah Mullen

July 26, 2024

Former NFL Star Colin Kaepernick Launches AI Startup

The new platform aims help creators share their work with a larger audience.

Colin Kaepernick launched a new artificial intelligence company that aims to use technology to help upcoming storytellers. Lumi Story AI intends to use AI to give aspiring storytellers access to tools that allow them to get their stories out to the public.

“The majority of the world’s stories never come to life,” the former quarterback said in an interview with Time magazine. “Most people don’t have access or inroads to publishers or platforms—or they may have a gap in their skill set that’s a barrier for them to be able to create. We’re going to see a whole new world of stories and perspectives.”

Writers can use Lumi to generate graphics to accompany their stories, while Illustrators can use the platform to add words to their images. Users can then publish and distribute their stories on the Lumi platform. They can also order physical copies of their work. According to Kaepernick, Lumi will give creators full ownership of anything they create on the platform.

The activist came up with the idea when he faced several challenges while creating his media company, Ra Vision Media, and his publishing company, Kaepernick Publishing. Kaepernick said that he saw the benefit of AI when he experimented with tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E.

Kaepernick addressed ongoing concerns about the potential dangers of AI tools. However, he believes that AI will help creators produce content more effectively. The former San Francisco 49er says that he compares the technology to the iPhone, which opened up opportunities for more people to experiment with photography.

“It allows us to help fill in the skill gaps of creators,” Kaepernick told The Wall Street Journal. “We are now building in that direction to try to open that up and democratize storytelling.”

Lumi has secured $4 million in funding led by Reddit co-owner Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six company. The product went live on July 24.

by Jameelah Mullen

July 26, 2024

Lincoln Beach, New Orleans’ Historic Black Beach Set To Reopen Next Year

The Mayor’s office invites New Orleans residents to share their feedback about the upcoming revitalization project.

During the Jim Crow Era, New Orleans’ Lincoln Beach was the only beach that was open to the Black community. The beach was closed in 1964 following the integration of nearby Pontchartrain Beach. New Orleans officials are planning to reopen the historic beach by next year.

Lincoln Beach was once home to an amusement park and an Olympic-sized pool, which served as a premiere gathering spot for Black families in the segregated South.

“It was our little piece of heaven,” Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy said in an interview with WWLTV News last year.

“It was an amusement park where we could go on rides. And for me, a girl from the neighborhood. It was ‘the big pool,’ an Olympic-sized pool,” she told the outlet.

Lincoln Beach was also a popular entertainment spot where Black artists could showcase their talents. Popular artists such as Fats Domino, Nat King Cole, The Drifters, and Aaron Neville performed at the historic beach.

Last year, the city declared the landmark a safety hazard due to “ structural deterioration and dangerous wildlife.”

This week, Lincoln Beach was officially named a national historic site, which will open it up to opportunities for funding.

So far, the city has secured nearly $25 million in funding and plans to move forward with the revitalization project.

“My administration recognizes the historic, cultural significance and natural beauty of Lincoln Beach and has been working to revitalize this area to reopen it for the public,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “

The city and its contractor, Sasaki, will release the initial concepts at public meetings on Thursday and Saturday. Axios reported.

Some concepts include a fishing pier, a bigger beach, an entertainment space, walking trails, and restaurants.

Residents are asked to participate in the upcoming public meetings.

“For the success of this redevelopment project, it is essential to have diverse participation and solicit valuable community input from all constituents throughout the City of New Orleans and its metro area,” The Mayor’s office statement reads.

The public meetings will occur at the New Orleans East Opportunity Center on Thursday, July 25, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 27, at 10 a.m.

Jobs, Workplace, Resenteeism,, federal employees

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 26, 2024

Study Predicts ‘The Great Resignation 2.0’ After Finding More Employees Plan To Quit In 2024

Looks like some job openings are coming soon....

A new study revealed the “Great Resignation 2.0” is on the brink of happening after finding close to three in ten employees are thinking of quitting their jobs by the end of 2024.

The study, published by Resume Builder, found that 28% of 1,000 participating full-time workers have a plan to quit their jobs before the end of the year. The highest number came from workers ranging between 18 and 34 who work in the service industry. Fifty-six percent of the younger employees blame being unsatisfied with their current work situation, particularly low pay, as the culprit behind a resignation.

A number of them are seeking more comfort in the workforce. Forty-four percent expressed a “desire for better benefits,” while 43% are looking for less stressful work days. Career strategist Julia Toothacre isn’t too surprised by the outcome of the survey as she feels more younger workers are still trying to figure out what they want out of a career. Younger workers tend to switch jobs at a higher rate because they are trying to determine what type of function, industry, and environment would work best for them,” Toothacre said.

“Along with that, you can increase your salary quicker when you change jobs every few years, and those early career years are the best time to do that.”

The first “Great Resignation” came following the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in 47 million Americans quitting their jobs in 2022 alone, according to a 2023 study by Paychex. Several of those who quit regretted the decision later after finding it difficult to return to work.

Another reason why people are quitting is the requirement to go into the office. After COVID presented more opportunities to work remotely, Toothacre said workforce demands could force employers to promote remote or hybrid offerings if the candidate pool continues to shrink. “This is an employer market, which is why you’re seeing so many RTO mandates,” she added. “When the market shifts back to candidates, we’ll see more perks.”

A little over 20% of survey participants said it is “somewhat” likely they will quit their jobs before the end of 2024, with 7% describing themselves as “highly likely” to make the change. In January 2024, analysts found the number of people quitting went back to pre-pandemic levels and the “balance of power” is in favor of employers. According to Statista, the number of job openings outnumbered the amount of people who were unemployed prior to the pandemic.

However, as the threat of another recession comes from financial experts, the number of employees quitting will likely decline since finding a job can be hard during times of economic struggle.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 26, 2024

You May Not Know Who Junior Bridgeman Is, But This Former NBA Player Is Worth $600M

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James are the only NBA players worth more than him.

Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, who recently retired from the business world, played for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks from 1975 to 1984. He later joined the Los Angeles Clippers before returning to retire with the Bucks.

Bridgeman wasn’t a superstar, but he was an excellent sixth man. His post-NBA career was a bit more notable. Today, he is worth $600 million.

According to ESPN, his business acumen grew over the years but started when he was still playing for the Bucks. An opportunity arose when team owner Jim Fitzgerald asked several players if they wanted to invest in a cable television operation. Bridgeman invested $150,000 and about five years later when Fitzgerald sold the company, Bridgeman received a check for $700,000. That was the start he needed.

Bridgeman then entered the restaurant business and purchased several Wendy’s franchises that were successful. Post-NBA, Bridgeman became involved in a program with the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) trying to lead young basketball players into financial literacy since so many players have to face financial ruin due to money mismanagement.

Bridgeman has inspired many with his business success. As the CEO of Manna Inc., the holding company for his franchise empire of quick-service restaurants, he’s a longtime member of the BE 100s. According to the Michigan Chronicle, Bridgeman, the CEO of a Coca-Cola bottling company and part-owner of Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited, was once featured on a 2016 Forbes top-paid athletes list.

Venturing out of the food industry, the businessman once tried to purchase Sports Illustrated in 2018. He withdrew his bid in 2019; the magazine was sold to Authentic Brands Group for $110 million.

In 2020, Bridgeman’s company, Bridgeman Sports and Media, emerged as the successful bidder for Ebony Media’s assets after he placed a bid of $14 million for the company.

He has made sure that his kids, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, have generational wealth. Forbes reported that his daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, who used to be chief marketing officer of Manna Inc., is now the chief executive officer and owner of Ebony and Jet‘s parent company, 1145 Holdings, LLC.

This was just one of Bridgeman’s moves to ensure financial stability and to continue his successful business legacy.

Houston Police Department, suspended cases, investigation, police chief

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 26, 2024

Former Houston Police Chief Alleged He Was Forced Into Retirement Over Department Case Cover-Up Scandal

Someone has to be telling the truth here....

Former Houston Police Chief Troy Finner is speaking out against the department after claiming he was forced into retirement over a case scandal.

Finner told the Houston Chronicle that he thinks the city and police department are trying to bury the “disturbing truth” around a scandal he tried to expose in May 2024. He is accusing the Houston Police Department (HPD) of shelving more than 200,000 cases as criminal severe activity under the code “Suspended – Lack of Personnel,” or “SL” on a routine basis.

While an investigation is still pending, the 34-year HPD veteran tried to combat the issue while still holding the title of chief. He launched an internal probe in February 2024 and released bi-weekly reports on the investigation status for the public. He also committed to releasing a full report of the department’s findings as early as May 2024, not long before he left.

Now that he is gone, Finner is concerned the department won’t uphold the promise as other changes have since been made, including the commander of HPD’s internal affairs department being reassigned to another division. Also, the report has yet to come out. “This failure is gonna come back and bite us. And that’s what I was trying to prevent,” he said. “Agencies all across the country are watching us. This is our opportunity to do something and lead the way.

“So I’m proud to take the blows. But tell the whole story.”

Finner resigned on May 7 after alleging more than 250,000 cases have been suspended due to a lack of staffing at HPD headquarters. While Finner allegedly instructed staff to stop using the code in 2021, the caseload worsened. The scandal came to light when Finner received an email, along with then-Police Chief Art Acevedo and commander of the vehicular crimes unit, Kevin Deese, from a staff member about a 2018 hit-and-run case that used the code to label it as a “road rage” case.

In bolded and underlined font, the staffer wrote, “Even though there is a full license plate and suspect description to include a statement by the witness that they can ID the suspect.

HPD spokesman Kese Smith said although Finner was told the code was no longer in use, the chief wanted the department to do more. “Chief Finner has said there will be drastic changes to the culture and operations of the department to move past this and stands by his commitment to investigate every violent crime,” Smith said.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says the leaked email is what prompted Finner’s call to resign, but the former chief said he would have held himself accountable as he admits to being one of the department’s very busy leaders who used the SL code on a regular basis and not grasping the importance of the tossed criminal investigations sooner. “I was the patrol chief, and I read the email and just saw it as someone getting screwed over,” Finner said.

According to KHOU 11, Whitmire claims there are no supported facts to back up Finner’s claims. “I can’t say what motivated him to make such allegations, but I’m personally disappointed he has,” Whitmire said in a statement. “I look forward to releasing a thorough report to the City Council and the public next Wednesday.”

Executive Director of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, Ray Hunt, also said he was “disappointed” in Finner but only because of the timing in which he decided to speak out, as the investigation is still ongoing. “Anyone who believes this is being swept under the rug, I think they’re mistaken,” he said. “HPOU will not allow that to happen, and I’m confident the mayor won’t allow that to happen.”

celebs, give back to community, philanthropy

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 26, 2024

Black Celebs Who Give Back To Community And Powerful Causes

Originally Published May 21, 2023.

Philanthropy and giving back are important parts of achieving success. Remaining charitable while being at the top of your game shows which public figures are worthy of our praise.

While most celebrities typically do their part to give back in some way or another, there are certain famous faces who break the mold when it comes to their philanthropy. Here are 8 Black celebrities who take pride in giving back to communities and causes around the world.

Jaden Smith

As the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, who run the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, it was only natural for philanthropy to rub off on Jaden. On his 21st birthday in July 2019, Jaden opened the I Love You restaurant in the downtown area of Los Angeles’ infamous Skid Row region, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The vegan food truck company provides healthy free meals to the thousands of homeless in Skid Row.

The restaurant serves as a “movement that is all about giving people what they deserve, healthy, vegan food for free,” the rapper wrote on Instagram at the time. In December 2022, Jaden announced that the charitable food truck was back.

Megan Thee Stallion

The Houston Hot Girl is more than just a pretty face and Billboard chart-topper. The Grammy award-winning rapper is a proud college grad, who obtained her degree while rising to the top of the hip-hop game, and creator of the Pete & Thomas Foundation.

Created in honor of her late father and mother, Joseph Pete Jr. and Holly Thomas, Megan modeled her non-profit organization around the values her parents instilled in her; the importance of family, education, and community. Launched on her 27th birthday in February 2022, the “Savage” rapper’s foundation gives back in a number of special ways, People reports.

Through Meg’s non-profit, she helps to provide scholarships, school supplies, and resources to support students from high-need communities, aids in addressing housing issues for seniors, single mothers, and families impacted by financial emergencies and natural disasters and supports cancer treatment, mental health, and food insecurity.

“My family raised me to help others and give back, so I’m incredibly proud to be in a position to accomplish that goal,” Megan said.

“I have a responsibility to use my platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who may not have access to resources and support services.”

Rihanna

Rihanna’s annual Diamond Ball is more than just a night of fashion and glam. The annual star-studded event raises funds for Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports and funds education and emergency response programs around the world through education initiatives, scholarships, health care, grants, and other projects. Named after the billionaire singer and beauty mogul’s grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, the organization has funded over 45 projects and raised more than $7 million in grants since its 2012 inception.

Travis Scott

Travis Scott is so big in music, it’s often overlooked how passionate he is about giving back to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through his Cactus Jack Foundation, the “Goosebumps” rapper, real name Jacques Bermon Webster II, helps to raise money to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for the youth. The foundation launched the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, named after his grandfather, who served as a dean at the HBCU Prarie View A&M University, according to USA Today. The scholarship provides financial support to HBCU seniors who are facing financial challenges to ensure they can graduate on schedule.

“My grandfather wanted me to take it all the way through college,” Scott said.

“I feel there is a power in education so to be able to give someone the opportunity to fulfill that dream as my papa thought for me is amazing.”

The scholarship serves as an initiative through the foundation’s Project HEAL. The purpose of the project is to solve challenges and overcome issues impacting the youth community through initiatives that include academic scholarships, free mental health resources, a creative design center, and a first-ever, tech-driven solution for event safety.

21 Savage

21 Savage might make a lot of violent references in his music, but the Atlanta native is a passionate philanthropist who gives back to his hometown in big ways. In December 2022, 21, real name Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was honored with his own day in the state of Georgia thanks to his work through his Leading By Example Foundation. Launched in 2017, the foundation provides financial literacy education to underserved youth, scholarships, access to bank accounts, and job placement for teens and students alike.

“I’ve been an advocate for financial literacy because I believe it can help free youth to focus on the more important things in life,” 21 Savage said when launching the initiative.

When he was honored with his own day, 21 Savage was hosting his 4th annual Holiday Grant-A-Wish Event that gave away gifts and wireless tablets to 100 Atlanta parents and their children.

John Legend

The decorated EGOT recipient lends his talent far beyond music. A true philanthropist in every way, John Legend has placed charity at the forefront of his initiatives outside of his music. In 2007, he launched the Show Me Campaign aimed at providing children with access to quality education and combatting systemic issues in our criminal justice system that disproportionately impact the poor, minorities, and disadvantaged.

In 2014, Legend expanded his philanthropy efforts with LRNG Innovators, which helps empower teachers to redesign learning in ways that ensure students are better equipped to succeed. Most recently, Legend started FREEAMERICA, a multi-year culture change campaign focused on ending mass incarceration.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell, Entrepreneurs — (Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

Known for being a mega-producer and fashion connoisseur, Pharrell is also a respected philanthropist who created From One Hand To AnOTHER in 2008 to ensure every child success by providing them with the right tools. In 2022, Pharrell unveiled the non-profit YELLOW to encourage curiosity and inspire wonder through science and nature for the next generation.

“Being a creator isn’t just about entertaining, but also about being a voice for the communities that are often underserved,” Pharrell said, according to Look to the Stars.

The organization donated $1 million to its first micro-school, YELLOWHAB which makes science and nature education fun and accessible for kids. Additionally, YELLOW plans to use the funding to build a green roof immersive learning experience and a garden where students can learn about vegetation to support biodiversity and a circular food system for the local area. It also hosts family and community workshops and aims to strengthen classroom programming.

Oprah Winfrey

Probably one of the most prominent celebrity philanthropists, Oprah Winfrey has dedicated her career to global charity initiatives. The billionaire media mogul has donated millions of dollars to a wide variety of charities and organizations including her Angel Network, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and The Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation.

Through The Angel Network, Winfrey opened The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and Rebuilding the Gulf Coast. After dominating the talk show space for over 30 years, starting a magazine, book club, and her OWN network, Winfrey is acclaimed for her power and influence around the world because of her philanthropy.

“To move forward you have to give back,” Winfrey once said.