World’s Richest Woman Vowed To Give Away ‘Majority Of Her Wealth’ And Included Black America

When Anthony E.  Munroe heard the news, he cried. The president of Borough of Manhattan Community College was stunned to learn that an unassuming email his office received about a donor who wanted to support the school’s mission had resulted in a $30 million gift, the largest in its history. And it came from Mackenzie Scott, author, philanthropist and former wife of Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos.

“This is not only life changing. This is life giving, not just to the institution but to the tens of thousands of students that we have the honor to serve each and every year,” Munroe told Inside Higher Education.

Scott donated more than $4.1 billion to 384 organizations including 35 colleges she described as offering “education for historically marginalized and underserved people.” The list included community colleges, HBCUS and institutions that enroll large numbers of Native Americans.

Alcorn State University is one of the HBCUS Scott chose. The University announced the $25 million gift in December.

“This gift is truly transformational, and we are humbled by Ms. Scott’s generosity,” stated Alcorn President Felecia M. Nave. “It will more than double the size of our endowment. The gift will allow the University to enhance its academic offerings and make much-needed investments to continue Alcorn’s mission as the nation’s first public, historically black, land-grant university.”

On her Twitter page, Scott talked about giving away “the majority of her wealth during her lifetime.” She wrote an article published on Medium that lists the organizations and colleges that are recipients. And at least 15 of those named are recognizable for their service to Black Americans.

The mother of four also donated to Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, United Negro College Fund, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Xavier University, Spelman College, The National Urban League, Obama Foundation, The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Movement for Black Lives,

Jackie Robinson Foundation, Howard University, Hampton University, Grantmakers for Girls of Color, and Black Girls CODE.

And while she has already given away billions, Scott indicated she plans to make additional donations in the future.