Politics
Sean "Diddy" Combs Commits $1 Million to Jackson State Football
In a move that underscores his commitment to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the inimitable Sean "Diddy" Combs announced a million-dollar contribution to Jackson State Football. The pledge came during his Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech at the 2022 BET Awards and was formalized during Saturday's Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge Kickoff in Atlanta. As an alumnus of Howard University, another prestigious HBCU, Combs recognized the significance of supporting these institutions. "This contribution to Jackson State isn't just about making a financial donation, it's about giving back to a part of our culture that has changed countless lives," Combs remarked. Jackson State University leaders were quick to express their gratitude, with Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony noting the transformational nature of the gift for students, and Ashley Robinson emphasizing its broader significance for the legacy and future of JSU Football.
However, to label Sean "Diddy" Combs solely as a music icon would be an oversight. He's an entrepreneurial force, with ventures that span the entertainment and business sectors. From the trailblazing Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group and Sean John fashion line to the innovative REVOLT MEDIA & TV, Combs' influence is palpable. This year's launch of Empower Global, aimed at bolstering Black entrepreneurs, further cements his dedication to uplifting the Black community. With this generous donation to Jackson State Football, Combs is not just preserving the legacy of HBCUs, but he's also ensuring their future is brighter than ever.
Combs' legacy is a tapestry of success stories, stretching from his early days as the Director of A&R at Uptown Records, where he boosted the careers of luminaries like Mary J. Blige and Jodeci, to his establishment of Bad Boy Records. This label not only played a pivotal role in the rise of iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans but also showcased Combs' acumen as a music producer, leading to collaborations with legends like Mariah Carey and Lil' Kim. His musical journey was punctuated with hits like "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," setting the stage for a career that boasts multiple Grammy Awards and unparalleled accolades.
Harvard and the HBCU Library Alliance collaborate to increase access to Black heritage
"The HBCU Library Alliance is excited to advance our goal to preserve and make accessible the historical legacies of these schools in partnership with Harvard University. As the alliance works to advance our overall mission, this is an exciting moment for HBCU libraries.
The $6 million, four-year project's goal is to create policies and procedures that will enable HBCU libraries and archives to increase the processing and archiving of their holdings. According to Martha Whitehead, vice president of the Harvard Library and university librarian, "HBCU libraries have deep connections to African American history and expertise in records that are incredibly significant. "This collaboration will ensure that HBCU libraries maintain ownership of the many important research collections while maintaining access to and preservation of those collections.
A project to maintain and expand capacity for the digitization, discovery, and preservation of African American history collections housed in HBCU libraries and archives across the U.S. was recently unveiled by the HBCU Library Alliance and Harvard Library. "This collaboration will ensure that HBCU libraries maintain ownership of the many important research collections while maintaining access to and preservation of those collections. The preservation and digitization of these resources will be useful to students, academics, and researchers everywhere. "The histories and achievements of African Americans are documented and preserved by historically black colleges and universities. Tiwant to Nevels, chair of the board of the HBCU Library Alliance, said of their archives: "Their archives are rich with artifacts for scholars to comprehend the past in preparing for the future.
The preservation and digitization of these materials will be advantageous to students, academics, and researchers all over the globe. The HBCU Library Alliance shares and protects its cultural resources and research, and the Harvard Library is pleased to collaborate with them in advancing global knowledge and intellectual inquiry. HBCUs have produced the first Black vice president of the United States, as well as 70% of the Black physicians, 80% of the Black judges, 40% of the Black members of Congress, and 50% of the Black attorneys. The partnership with Harvard will give us the chance to "share HBCU stories, complete the historical record, augment American history, and create new scholarship, and the archives connect us to those wonderful ancestral stories; they authenticate American history," according to the statement made in the collaboration.
