Tag Archives: philanthropy

Beyonce Donates to Young, Gifted and Black at HBCU’s

My edges have officially grown back, so that Beyonce can snatch them right off again come Saturday for Beychella 2.0.

Not only has the Queen of showtime put on the blackest of black performances celebrating…um…Black culture that wasn’t featured on an Apollo stage, Beyonce is donating to the cause.

Our girl is shelling out $100 Gs worth of scholarships at HBCU’s through her BEYGOOD charity initiative.

Xavier, Wilberforce, Tuskegee and Bethune-Cookman (sorry Howard, we know you needed that W) will receive $25K each for Homecoming Scholars Award Program.

Four students from each school can apply. Just like with the merit scholarship she debuted after release of Lemonade, students concentration has to be art based.

Winners will be announced this summer.

May your odds be as favorable as Beyonce’s killing the stage on Saturday. #Blackexcellence

Will Smith Donates Bottled Water to Flint Schools

Will and Jada Smith are using their new bottled water company– JUST–for good.

The power couple is donating their eco-friendly water to Flint, Michigan public schools each month, until city’s water becomes drink-able again, Huffington Post reports.

So far 9,200 b̶o̶t̶t̶l̶e̶s̶ cartons have been shipped to the schools.

With so much more of the plant-based H20 on the way, says JUST CEO Ira Laufer.

“This just makes sense for us to do,” Laufer told MLive. “After reading more about [Flint’s] challenges and the mayor objecting to pulling bottled water from the schools, we thought, ‘Let’s help these kids.’”

Where there is a will there’s a way. Sorry, had too.

On a serious note this is a great gesture for a company that is barely four years old. Given how toxic the water levels still are in Flint–EPA rated city’s lead at 397 parts per billion, the standard is 15 ppb.

Yeah, keep them cartons coming, big Willy.

Colin Kaepernick Completes Million Dollar Donation Challenge

Here’s how you roll into Black History month, fam.

Colin ‘our black prince’ Kaepernick has hit the one milly mark on his pledge to donate to underserved communities around the country.

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When I started my #MillionDollarPledge and committed to donate $1,000,000 towards various programs – my original intent was to help the organizations on the ground doing much needed work within our communities.  The goal was to help those helping others. To touch those impacting lives in a real way and to make sure that those in need benefited from the dollars donated.  While on the journey, what I realized was the person that benefited the most from this pledge was myself. I've learned about and had the privilege to work with so many quality organizations fighting for Social Justice daily. I've met so many people that work with so many great non-profits that do amazing work. I've been humbled by the appreciation from places like Assata’s Daughters, United We Dream, and Standing Rock to name just a few of where my contributions from my pledge were able to help. The #MillionDollarPledge was never for me, or about me – It has, and always will continue to be for, and about the people. Perhaps what I've learned most is that we can all enact change. Not everyone has to donate monetarily. Some organizations need volunteers and time just as much as they need a donation. Head over to Kaepernick7.com to learn more about all the programs that have been a part of my #10for10 as well as my #MillionDollarPledge. While there, you can see where all the donations went as well as learn more about all these amazing organizations and how you can help contribute. We have work to do, and the only way to get it done is if we all work together.

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Before getting across the finish line, he challenged famous pals to donate $10K to an org of their choice and he’ll match it. Dubbing it the 10 for 10 challenge.

Usher heed the call Wednesday and donated $10,000 to Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure Inc., a Georgia-based non-profit that helps single and divorced mom’s adapt to a new life.

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I am happy to announce that I have completed my #MillionDollarPledge. For this final #10for10 joining me is, multiple Grammy Award winner, singer, songwriter and hitmaker…My brother @usher! He is donating $10k to match my $10k for $20k going towards H.O.M.E from Lithonia, Georgia. H.O.M.E. stands for Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure and they provide furniture to single mothers and their mission is to extend love to the home; restore hope in the heart, and offer help through healing hands to single mothers facing hardship. It has been an honor for me to serve the people with my #MillionDollarPledge. The thanks and gratitude from each organization has been immense. Being able to learn and see how each organization used the donations was a key part of the Pledge. I wanted to make sure that every dollar was going towards making real change in our communities. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, matched me and my pledge and most importantly the people. I know that we still have a lot of work to do, however, by getting everyone involved, I truly believe that we can all achieve and move mountains towards our goals for Social Justice. Please head over to Kaepernick7.com for a complete list of my $1,000,000 if donations as well as others like my brother, @usher who have matched with their generous donations as well.

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Rapper Meek Mill, who is currently incarcerated, donated $10K to Youth Services, Inc, a Philly based charity that supports at risk youth.

Jesse Williams, Steph Curry and Nick Cannon also took part in the #10for10 challenge.

Colin started the one million pledge after opting out of his contract with San Francisco 49ers.

And vows to keep the good works going even without the NFL behind him.

With or without the NFL’s platform, I will continue to work for the people,” he said while picking up the 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award in December, “because my platform is the people.”

Rumble, baby, rumble <<in my Dave Chappelle voice>>>

Nicki Minaj Accepts Fans Offer to Pay College Tuition

Hol’ up, Hol’ up Hooolllld up. You mean to tell me my $18G’s of college debt could’ve been eliminated with one (numero uno) tweet to a celeb?

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Well, for a lucky few die-hard (they certainly are now) Nicki Minaj fans that most certainly was the case.

The fairy-tale ending–every college grad prays, wishes and pleads for–happened Saturday. A bold Nicki Minaj fan pleaded her case via Twitter.

Nicki was willing to shell out the coins, if the fan could prove she was a star pupil.

Thus began the put it on Minaj’s tab challenge. For those unaware of how it works–us mere broke and low-paying college grads put in offers for the “No Frauds” rapper and she epically hooked us up.

The tweets speak for themselves.

After a few hours Nicki cut off her purse strings, but it goes without saying she’s our #WCW.

Nicki-Minaj

Cha-Ching! Ne-Yo Invests $2.3 Million in Tech School to Attract Minority Coders

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Ne-Yo has been M.I.A lately. Perhaps it’s due to a new house, new baby (it’s a boy!), new album and upcoming tour.

Whew!! I’m winded from just writing that sentence.

Luckily, what hasn’t changed is his gentlemanly ways.

Hence, the Miss Independent crooner’s announcement of investing $2.3 million dollars into a San Francisco-based technical school, Holberton, so underprivileged kids can learn to code.

“Everybody knows that tech and all these things are the wave of the future,” Ne-Yo told Tech Crunch. “I just love the fact of what they’re doing with the school — that they’re making it easier for underrepresented people in the world of tech. They’re giving them a platform and access to this knowledge that they probably wouldn’t get otherwise. I think that’s one of the coolest things about this whole situation.”

Another dope thing is Holberton doesn’t charge tuition until after the student gets a job. You read that right. If and when they do, the school takes 17 percent of a salary.

Plus, the odds of getting selected are def in minorities favor—Holberton’s current class is made up of 40% female and 53% of color, according to Tech Crunch.

No wonder Ne-Yo is also a member of the Holberton’s board of trustees.

“I’m definitely going to be hands on,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m going to do every day because there’s this little music career thing that i’ve got going on,” he joked. “So there’s that but i’m definitely going to be hands on.”

Ne-Yo is definitely swapping the gentleman for philanthropist.

Chance The Rapper Donates $1 Million to Chicago Public Schools

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Aside from making good music, Chance The Rapper is always looking to help his city of Chicago in any way he can. In his boldest move yet, Chance announced that he is donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools during a press conference at Westcott Elementary School earlier today (see the full video below). “This check that I donated is a call to action,” Chance says. “I’m challenging major companies and corporations in Chicago and across the country to donate and take action.”

The news arrives after his meeting with Illinois governor Bruce Rauner last week, where they talked about public education and more.

Finally, some good news for Chi Town.

Written by Joe Walker OnSmash.com

Rihanna Runs Bean Town as Harvard’s Humanitarian

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Rihanna presented with Humanitarian of Year award by Allen Counter, director of Harvard Foundation. 

Rihanna was shining bright like a diamond as she accepted Harvard’s Humanitarian of the Year award yesterday at Sanders Theatre at the university.

“So I made it to Harvard — never thought I’d be able to say that in my life,” Rihanna mused as she opened her acceptance speech.

Bad gal Ri Ri, decked out in an off-the-shoulder, belted tweed dress, was honored by the Ivy League for launching the Clara Lionel Foundation, which awards college scholarships to Caribbean students attending US schools.

The Work singer was also recognized for building the Clara Braithwaite Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Queen Elizabeth hospital in her hometown of Barbados.

Fun Fact: the centre was renamed after Rihanna’s grandmother after the pop star donated $1.75 million to the Bridgetown hospital in 2012.

The Barbadian beauty made sure to honor her memory by passing along some of granny’s wise words in her speech. “You don’t have to be rich to help somebody…if you got a dollar, there’s plenty to share.”

Rihanna’s full remarks are below–they were live streamed.

 

Buffalo Bills Player Marcell Dareus Takes Philanthropic Sojourn to Haiti

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Buffalo Bills tackle Marcell Dareus wanted to do more than donate $25 Gs to Hope for Haiti charity. The NFLer wanted to see how it was spent.

So he hopped a flight and landed in his father’s homeland this week. Where he visited orphanages, schools and a hospital, reports AL.com

The Alabama native got a warm welcome from the island nation that is still reeling from October’s Hurricane Matthew and the powerful 2010 earthquake that left thousands homeless and dead.

“I’m happy that I’m able to partner with Hope for Haiti, which is giving me the opportunity to meet and understand the people who are benefiting from my support,” Dareus said . “… I love giving back, especially to kids in need, but this is extra special because I’ve never been on a trip like this before. The Haitian people have seen hardship after hardship with the earthquake and then the hurricane. Being able to meet with them and show them that I care about them is really important to me.”

Hope for Haiti charity–that aims to improve the lives of Haitian children through education, health care, water and infrastructure–was happy to see their philanthropic partner in person.

“We are inspired by the generosity of Marcell Dareus and the Dareus Foundation for their investment in the Haitian people,” said Skyler Badenoch , the CEO of Hope for Haiti. “Without the support of investors like Marcell, Hope for Haiti’s work would not be possible. We are so grateful and we look forward to making an immediate and lasting impact together.”

The service-oriented sojourn already had a major influence on the star player for his father’s roots there. Marcell’s dad died before he entered the NFL.

“My dad grew up in Haiti, and I always hoped I would make it there some day,” Dareus said . “Although my dad died when I was younger, I’m lucky to have other family here in the States that have told me stories since I was a kid about life in Haiti. Being in a position to not only visit, but also make a donation that will really impact Haitian kids and their families is a great feeling. I know it will be an eye-opening trip.”

Looks like it was.

Big Sean Donates $100,000 to Flint Water Crisis Relief

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D town’s own refuses not to let the water crisis in Flint, Michigan be off news feeds.

So, Big Sean shared his philanthropic scoop on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Wednesday: he donated $100,000 to Flint water crisis relief through his foundation.

Despite the AP reporting Flint’s lead levels below the federal limit, residents are still encouraged to drink bottled water. Big Sean says the city is still in a precarious situation.

“It’s not even close to being over,” Big Sean said. “That situation wasn’t a natural disaster. It’s something that should’ve been prevented and could’ve been prevented, so it’s just disgusting to think about the damages that these families and even kids have to go through with the lead poisoning.”

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The “Bounce Back” rapper revealed his mom suffered from a bout of lead poisoning, but luckily could reverse it through holistic medicine.

What will be a constant is Big Sean’s love for his hometown. Last night, the rapper held a cozy album first listen party for I Decided in Detroit.

Annnddd featured the Flint Chosen choir On his album. Telling Rolling Stone he wanted to “reach out and show some support from that side, creatively. It’s a song called ‘Bigger Than Me’ and once you hear it you’ll see why I wanted them to be on it. But I was just happy to have Flint be a part of my album in that way as well.”

For us regular folk, I Decided will be released on Friday, February 3.

 

 

MCM | ‘Saints & Sinners’ Star Gives to Homeless

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Now we know who the saint is–Christian Keyes.

The Let’s Stay Together star turned his lazy Sunday into day of service. By cleaning out his closets, filling up 10 garbage bags worth of Fall gear for donation to homeless org–My Friend’s House Foundation.

 

Also known as We Feed the Homeless. The LA-based org provides clothes, food and other basics for the homeless.

My Friend’s House founder Tiffany A. Rose is expanding the charity’s operation. She started a Go Fund Me page seeking $25K, so far she’s earned $17,204.

To earn your halo (Christian has one!) donate your coins here.

The ab-tastic model/actor may also have angel wings because he loves to give back. Especially to his hometown of Flint, Michigan.

 

Last weekend, he hit the hardwood of MSU with Rev Run’s son Diggy Simmons and Cory Hardrict for the 3rd Annual Hoop for Hope celebrity basketball game.

All the proceeds went to helping 1000 families in need and donating two semi trucks of water to the people of Flint, who have had to live with poisoned water since 2014.

Salute to Christian for doing his part to be more of a saint to his community.