Morehouse College, the highly rated liberal arts educational institution for Black men in Atlanta, received a $13 million donation from media mogul Oprah Winfrey. She had come to Atlanta to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program. But she also made a surprise announcement, donating $13 million to enhance the scholarship fund, pushing her total investment to $25 million.
In making the announcement, Winfrey stated that “I understand that African American men are an endangered species. They are so misunderstood. They are so marginalized. Where and when I can lend support to try to change that image, I do.”
Over the last 30 years, the scholarship program has funded the education of almost 600 scholars, giving them opportunities for global experiences that would open their classrooms to the four corners of the world, said Morehouse President David A. Thomas. “I’m grateful to Oprah Winfrey for her generosity,” said President Thomas. “I am also feeling hopeful for Morehouse and what it has garnered in terms of philanthropic support. I am hopeful that this will also get others to step up with their support of Morehouse, but even more broadly, historically Black colleges and universities.”
