Earlier this week, MacKenzie Scott opened her purse for six HBCUs, reports CNN.
In a post published to Medium, Jeff Bezos’ former wife pledged to donate a portion of her wealth to several organizations and institutions. The lucky recipients? Howard University, which received $40 million; Hampton University, which received $30 million; Tuskegee University, which received $20 million.
Plus, Xavier University of Louisiana — who said the donor wished to remain anonymous — and Morehouse College also announced that they each received $20 million donations and were all named on the list. However, Spelman College did not disclose the donation amount.
“I began work to complete my pledge with the belief that my life had yielded two assets that could be of particular value to others: the money these systems helped deliver to me, and a conviction that people who have experience with inequities are the ones best equipped to design solutions,” Scott said of the 116 organizations she donated to, which include the schools.
Xavier says the monetary gift is a “pivotal development” for the university’s work.
“This is a remarkable demonstration of support and encouragement for Xavier and its mission, and a reminder that what we do is important—not only at the University, but also within our global community,” stated President Reynold Verret. “This gift will enhance the university’s capacity to educate in the medical sciences, pharmacy, law, the arts, and the social sciences.”
The other universities also praised the donation, committing to allocate the funds to a number of scholarships, technology, and strategic planning efforts.
“We will be able to unfold the next phase of our mission in ways we simply could not have considered before,” said Tuskegee University President Lily D. McNair.
Scott is reportedly worth an estimated $60 billion and will continue to give “in the months and years to come.” In addition to the six universities, Scott also donated to organizations, including Black Girls CODE and the Obama Foundation.
“The organizations named offer a daily reminder that we can each carry more than we imagine,” said Scott. “And they offer an opportunity to invest our good fortune in change, no matter what form our good fortune has taken.”