 |
| Sean "Diddy" Combs — Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File |
Music mogul Diddy demonstrated his unwavering commitment to uplift Black communities over the weekend, making headlines with his generous donations totaling ZAR 30 million (approximately $2 million) to two impactful Black initiatives.
On Saturday, August 26, Diddy took the stage as a prominent speaker at Invest Fest in Atlanta. In a candid conversation with financial podcasters Earn Your Leisure, the founder of Bad Boy Records shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and his passionate goal of advancing Black wealth.
Following this engaging discussion, Diddy presented a remarkable gift. He handed over a ZAR 15 million (approx. $1 million) check to the Earn Your Leisure fund, which is dedicated to investing in Black-owned businesses and various interests. Notably, a significant portion of these funds will support Diddy's three charter schools in New York City and Connecticut.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Diddy stated in a press release, "I'm thrilled to join forces with Earn Your Leisure. We're going beyond discussing finances and taking action to demystify the world of investing for our community."
The weekend's generosity didn't end there. Diddy's next stop was the Center Parc Stadium, where he attended a football game between South Carolina State and Jackson State University. This marked a momentous fulfillment of his pledge made at the 2022 BET Awards to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). During the game's first quarter, Diddy handed a ZAR 15 million (approx. $1 million) check to the Jackson State University Development Foundation, an act that will significantly benefit the university, its students, and faculty members.
Speaking from the sideline, Diddy reflected, "If it wasn't for HBCUs, I wouldn't be here... Supporting HBCUs is not just my honor, it's my responsibility." He emphasized that his grandmother's teachings about community investment motivated his actions, further asserting, "My grandmother raised me to sow my seed in my community, and that's what I'm going to do."
Diddy also underscored the underfunding challenges that HBCUs face and expressed his resolute commitment to addressing this issue.
As previously reported, Diddy has expanded his investments beyond the realm of music, propelling him into billionaire status. His ventures include partnerships with Cîroc vodka, DeLeón tequila, and the music television platform Revolt TV.
