Sean “Diddy” Combs. Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images. 

SOURCE: ebony.com 

Iconic rapper and proud Howard University alumnus, Sean “Diddy” Combs, electrified the Howard Homecoming 2023 event by fulfilling his promise to donate $1 million to the historic Washington D.C.-based HBCU. 

Sean-Diddy-Combs-and-Dr.-Ben-Vinson-III-President-of-Howard-University-_SHAREIF-ZIYADAT-
Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III and Sean Diddy Combs. Image: SHAREIF ZIYADAT.

Committed to supporting educational institutions that cater to students of color, Combs made this generous gesture during the Yardfest, presenting the gift to Howard’s president, Dr. Ben Vinson III. 

Diddy, known for his musical prowess, didn’t disappoint the roaring crowd. He took the stage and treated the audience to unforgettable performances of his classic hits, including “It’s All About the Benjamins,” “I Need a Girl Part 1,” and “Act Bad.” Joining him for cameo appearances were artists Kalan.FrFr and Love Records artist Jozzy, both featured on Combs’s latest musical release, “The Love Album: Off The Grid.” 

In his speech, Diddy emphasized the importance of HBCUs and their legacy, stating, “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. 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 donation will have a significant impact on the HBCU community, supporting professional development, career progression, and bolstering HBCU sports and institutions. 

This generous act follows Combs making headlines in Atlanta, where he unveiled two major initiatives designed to foster economic empowerment and uphold the legacies of historically Black institutions. 

 In 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 HBCUs.  

Two days later, at Invest Fest, he announced a $1 million investment fund in collaboration with “Earn Your Leisure” co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, which aims to turn financial discussions into tangible actions, creating a blueprint for economic upliftment. 

Combs has a well-established track record of charitable contributions. His philanthropic efforts include the Capital Preparatory Charter Schools in Harlem and the Bronx, New York, and Connecticut.  

Under his Combs Global company, he launched Empower Global (EG), an e-commerce platform that showcases products from Black entrepreneurs. Additionally, Combs initiated the “Excellence Program” in partnership with WME to assist underrepresented college-age individuals in the entertainment industry. 

Recognized for his significant contributions, Sean “Diddy” Combs was awarded the Global Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards this year. His fifth studio album, “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” achieved a remarkable feat by landing him his sixth Top Ten album on the Billboard charts, marking a successful venture into the R&B genre. 

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