Charles Barkley is donating $1 million to Jackson State University, but that’s not all.
According to Clarion Ledger, Barkley’s interest in the university is a reflection of his adoration for his friend and former head coach of the HBCU, Deion Sanders.
As AfroTech previously told you, Sanders is leaving the school to pursue a position at the University of Colorado, where he was offered a $29.5 million deal.
“They’re probably gonna take a little hit with him leaving, so I want to show them some love because, man, what (Sanders) accomplished there was pretty extraordinary,” Barkley said, according to Clarion Ledger.
For Jackson State University, the donation comes as a pleasant surprise.
“We are very thankful and look forward to working with Mr. Barkley to facilitate this generous gift,” Yolanda Owens, interim vice president for institutional advancement, said according to Clarion Ledger. “We appreciate his acknowledgement of Jackson State University and the great work that goes on at our institution. Because of his generosity, JSU will have an opportunity to support institutional priorities at a greater level and continue the efforts to elevate the university.”
Barkley will also be matching the $1 million donation toward ALS research in honor of his former Auburn teammate Gary Godfrey and HBCU Bethune-Cookman University.
Donating to HBCUs is nothing new for Barkley.
He previously donated to Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Miles College, Tuskegee University, and Spelman College.
“We are dedicated to providing resources and possibilities to students for higher education, especially in
Prince George’s County,” said Wanda Durant, lead of the Durant Family Foundation, in a press release. “Bowie State
was the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.”
Thanks to the donation, there will be renovations made to the basketball arena in the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex at Bowie State University.
What’s more, Durant’s relationship isn’t ending with the donation as it will be the start of a partnership.
“We’re grateful for the resources that Kevin Durant and his family foundation have generously donated to Bowie State University to advance student success in achieving their academic goals,” said Bowie State President Aminta Breaux in a press release. “His contributions will go a long way towards updating our facilities and ensure a top-tier athletic experience for all of our students. The foundation has already built a network of community-centric services within the Durant Center in Prince George’s County that is exemplary.”
