Diddy Donates $1 Million to Jackson State University and Launches ‘Earn Your Leisure’ Fund
In a demonstration of his commitment to social responsibility and education, music mogul Diddy has once again proven that he’s more than just words. Recently, he announced substantial donations to a historically black college or university (HBCU) and unveiled the launch of a new fund with a focus on financial literacy.
According to reports by Revolt, the former head of Bad Boy Records, Diddy, contributed a significant sum of $1 million to establish the Earn Your Leisure Fund. This initiative, as outlined by the platform, aims to advance financial literacy by making strategic investments in this critical area.
Diddy’s announcement of the donation took place during his appearance as the headline act at Invest Fest. This move further solidifies his alignment with Earn Your Leisure, a program dedicated to educating Black individuals about financial literacy.
Rashad Bilal, a representative of Earn Your Leisure, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This isn’t just about money; it’s about the convergence of vision, hustle, and a commitment to rewriting the rules. We’re not just opening doors; we’re building new doors, new rooms, new floors.”
In addition to his contribution to financial literacy, Diddy followed through on his commitment to support HBCUs by donating $1 million to Jackson State University. The donation was presented during the Cricket-sponsored MEAC/SWAC Challenge held in Atlanta on August 26.
Diddy articulated the significance of this gesture, noting, “It’s important that we all do our part to protect and preserve their legacy. This contribution to Jackson State isn’t just about making a financial donation; it’s about giving back to a part of our culture that has changed countless lives and assuring HBCUs receive the support they deserve.”
These philanthropic actions have further solidified Diddy’s reputation as a socially conscious figure in the entertainment industry. Notably, Diddy, alongside fellow music icons JAY-Z and Dr. Dre, was recognized as one of the greatest executives in the history of hip-hop. This acknowledgement came as part of Variety’s “greatest executives” list released on August 3, coinciding with the celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
Variety collaborated with the Black Music Coalition to curate this list, which featured Diddy among other industry luminaries. The publication praised his ability to evolve and diversify his ventures, remaining relevant over three decades. Diddy’s achievements extend beyond music, encompassing realms like fashion, spirits, and wellness, thereby serving as an exemplar for aspiring moguls.
The list of esteemed executives included prominent artists turned entrepreneurs such as Lil Wayne (Young Money Entertainment), 50 Cent (G-Unit/Power), Jermaine Dupri (So So Def), and Eazy-E (Ruthless Records), who were acknowledged for their transformative contributions to the business side of the music industry.
The recognition wasn’t limited to artists; powerhouse executives like Irv Gotti (Murder Inc.), Andre Harrell (Uptown Records), Lyor Cohen (Def Jam), and Suge Knight (Death Row Records) were also lauded for their indelible impact on building and advancing the industry.
Check out Diddy’s Instagram video about the donation below.
