The year 2025 was marked by historic firsts, social movements and major political and economic events. From the election of the first Black mayor in Omaha, Neb. to the longest federal shutdown in history, the Target boycott and funding for historically Black colleges and universities, the year left a lasting impact on communities across the United States and around the world.
Tag: MacKenzie Scott
Posted inOpinion
MacKenzie Scott’s gift is a chance to rewrite the future of Black higher education
MacKenzie Scott’s donation of $740 million to 16 HBCUs provides them with unrestricted capital and trust to address affordability, build durable institutional power, and expand research capacity, potentially creating a generational impact.
Posted inArts & Culture
Dance Institute of Washington’s Spirit of Kwanzaa – standing for the culture and community
The Dance Institute of Washington will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its “Spirit of Kwanzaa” production with a performance featuring the Washington area’s best young dance artists, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and the legacy of its founder, Fabian Barnes.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Bowie State University awarded 50 million from MacKenzie Scott
By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Bowie State University received notification of a $50 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott on Nov. 14. The unrestricted grant represents the largest philanthropic gift in Bowie State’s history and doubles the size of a $25 million gift Scott granted to Bowie in 2020. “Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment […]
Posted inHBCU
UMES President Heidi Anderson files lawsuit in the wake of plagiarism allegations
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore President Dr. Heidi Anderson faces plagiarism accusations and files defamation lawsuit. MacKenzie Scott donates $38M.
Posted inHBCU
As others retreat amid anti-diversity sentiment, MacKenzie Scott deepens her commitment to HBCUs with $63M gift to Morgan State and $38M gift to UMES
Morgan State University is now the recipient of a $63 million donation from Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott. President David Wilson described the gift as not just a financial boost, but an affirmation of the university’s trajectory as a research institution.