Sean “Diddy” Combs. Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has illuminated Howard University Homecoming 2023 by delivering his $1 million pledge to the iconic Washington D.C.-based HBCU.
Fulfilling a promise made at the 2022 BET Awards to support education and learning institutions catering to students of color, Combs—a proud Howard alumnus—presented the gift to the school’s president, Dr. Ben Vinson III, during Howard Homecoming – Yardfest.
Diddy enthralled the crowd with memorable performances of his classic tunes, “It’s All About the Benjamins,” “I Need a Girl Part 1” and “Act Bad.” Artists Kalan.FrFr and Love Records artist Jozzy, who are featured on Diddy’s latest musical release, The Love Album: Off The Grid, joined him on stage in cameo appearances.
“As someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges, it remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy,” Combs stated. “This donation to Howard is not just a financial contribution; it’s also a reaffirmation of our commitment to a cultural institution that has touched countless lives. It’s about ensuring that HBCUs continue to receive the support they rightfully deserve.”
The $1 million benefits the HBCU community and sheds light on the unwavering commitment to professional development and career progression, along with a robust backing for HBCU sports and institutions.
The donation comes on the backs of Combs making headlines in Atlanta, where within days, he unveiled two major initiatives designed to foster economic empowerment and uphold the legacies of historically Black institutions.
This past August, Combs donated $1 million from the Sean Combs Foundation to Jackson State University Football during the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge Kickoff, emphasizing the importance of supporting historically Black colleges and universities. Two days later, at Invest Fest, Combs declared a $1 million investment fund in collaboration with “Earn Your Leisure” co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. The fund will transform financial discussions into tangible actions and create a solid blueprint for economic upliftment.
Combs is highly recognized for his charitable contributions across the grid. His philanthropic endeavors include his Capital Preparatory Charter Schools in Harlem and Bronx, New York, and Connecticut. Under Combs Global company, his e-commerce platform Empower Global (EG) spotlights products from Black entrepreneurs. Combs also pioneered the “Excellence Program” with WME, which aids underrepresented college-age individuals in the entertainment domain.
Awarded the Global Icon Award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, Combs’s fifth studio album, “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” nabbed him his sixth Top Ten album on the Billboard charts for the R&B-focused musical endeavor.