HBCUs have influenced people like Kamala Harris. Here’s why they’re important
Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey are just two notable alumni of historically black colleges and universities. Here’s how HBCUs have changed over time.
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Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott has made a monumental gift to another historically black college and university (HBCU) in what the school is touting as a “defining moment.”
In a social media post on Monday, Oct. 27, Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. acknowledged that Scott, the ex-wife of billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos, donated $38 million to the school.
“I am proud and deeply grateful to announce that Alabama State University has received the largest single gift in its 158-year history,” Ross said in a statement.
The public four-year institution, known for its black and gold colors, is based in Montgomery. Notable alumni include civil rights activist Ralph Abernathy, comedian Ricky Smiley, and former NFL player Reggie Barlow. Grammy Award-winning rapper 2 Chainz also attended for a time on an athletic scholarship.
It was an exciting week for the university, which defeated in-state rival Alabama A&M University, 56-13, in a heated football game and tailgating event known as the Magic City Classic. It was held on October 25th in Birmingham, Alabama.
“Ms. Scott’s generosity affirms Alabama State University’s reputation as a catalyst for excellence and innovation in higher education. This is truly a pivotal moment in ASU’s history,” Professor Ross continued.
Scott recently donated to a Maryland-based HBCU.
Scott’s donation is the latest in her philanthropy to Black organizations and programs. This month, she donated $63 million to Morgan State University in Baltimore and $38 million to Princess Anne’s University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Scott’s recent gifts also include $40 million to the African American Heritage Action Fund, part of the Washington-based National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Action Fund said in an Oct. 15 press release that Scott’s $40 million gift follows an additional $20 million investment made just four years ago.
The Action Fund’s efforts include preserving historic Black sites such as churches and hotels and raising money for HBCUs.
Who is Mackenzie Scott?
Scott was married to Bezos for more than 25 years, and they announced their divorce in early 2019. When the couple reached a divorce settlement, Scott received 4% of his Amazon stock, worth more than $38 billion, according to Bloomberg. After their breakup, Scott pledged to donate the majority of his wealth to charity.
Scott, who has an estimated net worth of $33.9 billion, was ranked 28th on Forbes magazine’s 2025 list of America’s 400 Richest People.
In 2020 alone, she donated millions of dollars to several other HBCUs, including Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, and the University of Louisiana at Xavier University.
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Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact tardrey@gannett.com.
