Mackenzie Scott’s extensive philanthropy, particularly her significant donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is deeply rooted in her mentorship by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison .
While studying creative writing at Princeton University, Scott was mentored by Morrison, who recognized her talent and guided her through both academic pursuits and personal challenges, including financially strained periods . Morrison reportedly considered Scott “one of the best students” she ever taught . This mentorship extended beyond the classroom; Morrison supervised Scott’s writing and even wrote a crucial recommendation letter that helped Scott secure a position at an investment firm, where she later met Jeff Bezos . Morrison’s influence instilled in Scott a profound sense of humanity, compassion, and respect for Black culture and institutions, shaping her lifelong commitment to giving back .
After her 2019 divorce from Bezos, Scott pledged to donate the majority of her wealth, which has totaled over $19.25 billion by November 2025 . Her philanthropic approach, often involving large, unrestricted gifts, is seen as a direct outcome of the values she learned from Morrison .
Scott has donated over $1 billion to HBCUs, with specific contributions including:
- $80 million to Howard University, bringing her total support to $132 million since 2020 .
- $63 million to Morgan State University, adding to a previous $40 million gift for a total of $103 million .
- $50 million to Virginia State University .
- $63 million to Prairie View A&M University, bringing her total to $113 million .
- $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) .
- Other significant gifts include $38 million to Alabama State University , $38 million to Spelman College , and $38 million to Clark Atlanta University .
These donations are widely celebrated for their transformative impact, allowing HBCUs to strengthen endowments, expand scholarships, and improve facilities [18147370798429734]. The legacy of Morrison’s mentorship is further cemented by initiatives like the Toni Morrison Writing Program at Prairie View A&M University and the Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities at Howard University, funded by Scott’s gifts . The connection between Scott’s giving and Morrison’s influence is frequently highlighted, with many online communities expressing admiration and gratitude for both women