WHERE LEGACY MEETS LEGACY This Is Why Jeff Bezos’ Ex-Wife Mackenzie Scott Donated 1 Billion To HBCUs… And The Story Behind It!

ByEadmin

 

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