Howard University

Diddy Honors His Pledge And Donates $1 Million To Howard University

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Today (Oct. 20), Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to his alma mater, Howard University, to fulfill a remarkable promise. Moreover, this extraordinary act of philanthropy took place during the university’s annual Yardfest event, where the Howard community and fans alike gathered to celebrate and witness this significant moment. The acclaimed music mogul handed over a generous check of $1 million to Dr. Ben Vinson III, the president of Howard University.

Diddy’s visit to Howard University wasn’t just about a financial contribution; it was a reaffirmation of his unwavering commitment to the preservation of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Subsequently, as a proud alumnus of Howard, he understands the transformative power of such institutions and the vital role they play in the lives of countless individuals. In addition to the substantial donation, Diddy also had more surprises up his sleeve. He took to the stage to perform some of his classic songs such as,”It’s All About the Benjamins,” “I Need a Girl (Pt. 1),” and “Act Bad.” Furthermore, he brought out special guests Kalan.FrFr and Jozzy to perform songs from his latest album The Love Album: Off the Grid.

Read More: Tupac Was Extremely Close To Signing With Bad Boy Records According To His Brother

Diddy Is Giving Back To His Alma Mater

 
 
 
 
 
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However, Diddy gave a speech as well and expressed sentiment about the importance of HBCUs. He stated, “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.”

Dr. Vinson, the president of Howard University, acknowledged the profound impact of Diddy’s contribution, saying, “This is such a tremendously meaningful gift to Howard University. And we are deeply grateful. Since his days here as a student, Sean Combs has always credited Howard for helping him become the groundbreaking entertainer and entrepreneur that he has become. His gift will have a profound impact on our students, paving the way for future leaders.” Diddy’s generous pledge and his commitment to HBCUs serve as a shining example of how influential individuals can give back to their communities and make a lasting difference in the lives of aspiring students.

Read More: 7 Times 50 Cent Put Diddy on Blast

The post Diddy Honors His Pledge And Donates $1 Million To Howard University appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Durk Announces New Album ‘Almost Healed’ for May 12

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Lil Durk Announces New Album 'Almost Healed' for May 12

Lil Durk is loaded. Hitting Instagram, Durkio revealed his new album, Almost Healed, will arrive next Friday, May 12.

In the Instagram post, Lil Durk revealed the cover. Seen is a black-and-white image where Durk is surrounded by guys with blurred faces. Fans now believe the album will continue the J. Cole collaboration, for which the two artists were seen filming a video.

This will be Lil Durk’s first album since 2022’s 7220.

READ MORE: Lil Durk to Donate Portion of “Bedtime” Royalties to Neighborhood Heroes Foundation as Part of New Partnership

Last month, Lil Durk announced The Durk Banks Endowment Fund, a brand-new scholarship intended to award Howard University, a prestigious historically black college and university (HBCU), with scholarships to deserving students from his hometown of Chicago. The fund, which was created in collaboration with Neighborhood Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Durk, and Rotation, the hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music, will award two students with $50,000 scholarships for their first year of study at Howard.

READ MORE: Lil Durk’s Entry Into the Tech Space Through the World of Phygital Fashion: NXTG3NZ

Lil Durk introduced The Durk Banks Endowment Fund, a brand-new scholarship intended to award Howard University, a prestigious historically black college and university (HBCU), with scholarships to deserving students from his hometown of Chicago. The fund, which was created in collaboration with Neighborhood Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Durk, and Rotation, the hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music, will award two students with $50,000 scholarships for their first year of study at Howard.

“I feel it’s my responsibility to reach back to the kids—especially those that are growing up in my community,” said Lil Durk. “These kids have to be our biggest investment as they’re our future leaders. They are destined for greatness and I’m encouraging others to join my team’s efforts to help pave their way.”

“We are incredibly grateful to be the recipients of such generous support from Lil Durk, the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, and Amazon Music. Not only did they lend their support to the premier event run by and for Howard University students, but they also left a lasting impression by offering a gift that will continue to benefit Howard students for a long time to come,” said Cynthia Evers, PhD, vice president for student affairs at Howard University. “This meaningful partnership will benefit Howard students facing the biggest hurdles to financing their education and we truly appreciate this support for our Bison!”

The post Lil Durk Announces New Album ‘Almost Healed’ for May 12 appeared first on The Source.

Lil Durk’s HBCU-Focused Scholarship Gave $350,000 To Howard University Students

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Lil Durk is doing good.

According to Complex, the Chicago rapper has donated $100,000 scholarships to two students of Howard University through his Neighborhood Heroes HBCU College & Career Readiness Cohort Program. He also donated $250,000 to Howard’s financial aid program GRACE Grant.

“I’m the voice this the part they don’t show,” he wrote on Instagram. “I appreciate all the kids who struggling to finish school and needed this blessing.”

Howard’s GRACE (Graduation Retention Access to Continued Excellence) Grant program is designed to allow students with the greatest financial need to stay in school and graduate on time. Established in 2014 by President Frederick, the program provides additional funding for students who receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant, matching the Pell Grant distributions by 100% and providing additional funds.

Lil Durk has been working at cleaning up his image lately, choosing to present himself as the actual Voice Of The Heroes that he called himself on his joint project with Lil Baby. After his attempted murder charges from 2019 were dropped, Durk proclaimed he’d no longer drop the names of people who’d been victims of street violence in his music.

Since then, he’s used his voice to speak up on behalf of the incarcerated Young Thug, and apparently, make sure students have the option of finishing their education without having to turn to the streets.

Lil Durk to Help Students From Chicago Attend Howard University with Durk Banks Endowment Fund

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Lil Durk to Help Students From Chicago Attend Howard University with Durk Banks Endowment Fund

Lil Durk introduced The Durk Banks Endowment Fund, a brand-new scholarship intended to award Howard University, a prestigious historically black college and university (HBCU), with scholarships to deserving students from his hometown of Chicago. The fund, which was created in collaboration with Neighborhood Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Durk, and Rotation, the hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music, will award two students with $50,000 scholarships for their first year of study at Howard.

Lil Durk introduced The Durk Banks Endowment Fund, a brand-new scholarship intended to award Howard University, a prestigious historically black college and university (HBCU), with scholarships to deserving students from his hometown of Chicago. The fund, which was created in collaboration with Neighborhood Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Durk, and Rotation, the hip-hop and R&B brand from Amazon Music, will award two students with $50,000 scholarships for their first year of study at Howard.

“I feel it’s my responsibility to reach back to the kids—especially those that are growing up in my community,” said Lil Durk. “These kids have to be our biggest investment as they’re our future leaders. They are destined for greatness and I’m encouraging others to join my team’s efforts to help pave their way.”

“We are incredibly grateful to be the recipients of such generous support from Lil Durk, the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, and Amazon Music. Not only did they lend their support to the premier event run by and for Howard University students, but they also left a lasting impression by offering a gift that will continue to benefit Howard students for a long time to come,” said Cynthia Evers, PhD, vice president for student affairs at Howard University. “This meaningful partnership will benefit Howard students facing the biggest hurdles to financing their education and we truly appreciate this support for our Bison!”

The post Lil Durk to Help Students From Chicago Attend Howard University with Durk Banks Endowment Fund appeared first on The Source.

Lil Durk Performs At Howard University, Asks Crowd If He & India Royale Should Get Back Together

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Lil Durk recently donated $350,000 to Howard University in the form of scholarships and grants, and also participated in their 2023 Springfest to give fans and community members a great time. Not only did he directly give the institution $250,000 for grants funds, but he gave $50,000 each to two Chicago students to attend Howard on a scholarship. During his performance, he seemed to really engage the crowd with his energy, his slew of hit tracks, and the intimate setting. However, the Chicago MC also had to ask his crowd for relationship advice.

“If y’all want me to get back with India, say hell yeah!” he proclaimed, and the crowd screamed in turn. Moreover, Durk and India have quite the history and seem to be on relatively good terms even despite Smurk’s persistence. After a suggestive IG Live where they seemed to laugh together and where Durk held a mystery woman’s hand, many think that they’re back together. However, given their unclear back-and-forths prior to this development, fans can’t really be too sure. After all, this is the man who said “that p***y’s mine forever.”

Lil Durk Longs For India Royale At Howard University

Still, Lil Durk clearly still cares a lot for India Royale, as evidenced by his birthday message for her earlier this year. “Let me just look crazy cause GM y’all,” he wrote on Instagram. “She not dumb or justot her money on her own even after I went broke she help me… Watch my page all day ima give the street and relationship some tips later from the voice. Not the people who post drama only it’s f***ed up on my end not hers. I f***ed up she played a small part she really a good girls who live life. Ima good guy good husband cause I just over talked never listen to her pain. Back when she was back pregnant willow in the belly aka fat ma.

“So I ain’t perfect but I’m for you and I love you,” he continued. “And I’m all ears when ever we get back in a relationship. You saved my life with you and willow and big sky outside all my kids you was there ripthang. This real s**t don’t attack her she definitely the best in the world trust me. I love you having fun and we ain’t fighting I said not fight and I started one but I miss you that’s all. Happy bday @indiaroyale,” he concluded. “Not belated everyday your day… read it everybody. Real love not a paid situation I just love her to death. She fed up but ima save us.” Regardless of your take, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Durk and India Royale.

Lil Durk Gives Howard University $350,000 In Scholarships & Grants

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As much as his career’s blown up, Lil Durk has always kept an ear to his community and taken big steps to lend a hand. Moreover, he just announced the creation and development of the Durk Banks Endowment Fund as part of a collaboration with Amazon Music. Most importantly, though, he donated a total of $350,000 to Howard University in the form of scholarships and grants. Specifically, he will give two Chicago students $50,000 each to attend the HBCU, as well as $250,000 that will contribute to the university’s GRACE Grant.

Furthermore, Durkio will announce said students on Friday (April 14) during his performance at Howard’s 2023 Springfest. Also, he and his team selected them from a pool of 20 participants in his Neighborhood Heroes HBCU College & Career Readiness Cohort Program. To elaborate, the GRACE Grant is a program that helps students through assisting with tuition costs according to the institution. Established in 2014 by President Frederick, it was intended to assist students with the most dire financial needs, and to great result. In the years following its implementation, retention rates among recipients increased by 15%, with four-year graduations at a rate of 78%. This is a 32% increase compared to non-recipients.

Lil Durk Gives Back To Students At Howard University

Through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, the Career Readiness program launched in 2022 and gave many opportunities to youngsters in need. Students went on an HBCU college tour in states and cities like Atlanta and Alabama. Also, some of them traveled to New York City to meet executives and professionals at Sony, Alamo Music, and the New York Knicks. Not only that, but they shadowed seasoned veterans in various industries to gain valuable experience.

“I didn’t believe in anything, but being able to have opportunities like this is a big uprise from where I used to be,” Lil Durk remarked. His good deeds continue, even in the seemingly smallest but most impactful ways. The 30-year-old partnered with Chicago Votes gave 29,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to the Illinois Department of Corrections amid high COVID-19 resurgence rates and a water crisis in one of the state’s largest prisons. As The Voice of a generation, Durk continues to show his commitment to creating brighter days ahead for the old, the young, and those in need. For the latest news and updates on Lil Durk, check back in with HNHH.

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Kyrie Irving Delivers Huge Donation To Howard University Student

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Kyrie Irving has not been having a great couple of months. Back in November, the Brooklyn Nets star shared a documentary on Twitter. This documentary was available for purchase on Amazon, and it contained some Anti-Semitic tropes. Subsequently, Kyrie was suspended from the Nets for a couple of weeks.

Since then, Kyrie has returned to the squad, albeit without a Nike deal. Irving is a sneaker free agent, and there are plenty of brands out there looking to work with him. Despite all of this, Kyrie is looking to go back to business as usual. Overall, he is a charitable guy, and he has been showcasing that as of late.

Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on December 07, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Kyrie Helps Student

For instance, Kyrie is now going viral on social media following the revelation that he helped a young student at Howard University. As the story goes, the student needed $6,000 to pay for her tuition. Consequently, if she didn’t pay up, she would ultimately be expelled.

The student made a GoFundMe for herself, however, it wasn’t long before she got a massive donation. As you can see in the Instagram post down below, Kyrie sent the girl $22,000 which is $16,000 more than she asked for. Needless to say, she will have some extra money for the next semester.

Irving has consistently donated to GoFundMe over the years. Whenever he sees someone in need, he seeks to help out, which is a beautiful thing. While Kyrie has certainly made his fair share of mistakes, it is important to point out when he does something good.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world. Additionally, let us know what you think of Kyrie’s good deed, in the comments down below.

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Chloe Loved An HBCU Marching Band’s Routine Set To ‘Treat Me’ During A Football Game

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Like her mentor, Beyoncé, emerging pop-R&B star Chlöe is also apparently becoming a favorite of HBCU marching bands. During a Saturday night matchup between Alabama State University and Howard University for the MEAC/SWAC Classic, Alabama’s drill team the Honey Beez put on an enthusiastic, gold-clad showcase to Chlöe’s second solo single “Treat Me.” The Honey Beez twirled, twerked, tossed their matching high ponytails, and did the splits as the band turned the uptempo “Treat Me” into a blowout of epic proportions.

When Chlöe saw a clip that had been uploaded to Twitter the next day, she couldn’t contain her love for it. “Ahh, I love this!!” she wrote. “I’ve always wanted to perform my song on the field.”

“Treat Me” peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the singer her second solo Hot 100 appearance after her solo debut “Have Mercy” managed to climb to No. 28. She later revealed that she wrote the song while going through a breakup. Its spicy video, which was inspired by Grace Jones and Janet Jackson, prompted some fans to joke that she’d doubled down on the overt sexiness of the “Have Mercy” video in response to critics who wanted her to tone it down.

You can see the Alabama State Honey Beez’s routine and Chlöe’s joyous response above.

Jordan Brand Announces New 20-Year Partnership with Howard University

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Jordan Brand and Howard University have announced a new partnership rooted in Black culture and excellence. Jordan Brand announces the 20-year collaboration that will foster educational and athletic opportunities that elevate the best in the Black Community.

The collaboration intends to elevate Howard University’s sports department, open up fresh recruitment possibilities, and encourage a new generation to aspire to greatness. Jordan Brand and Howard University want to increase the impact of HBCUs on collegiate sports and the worldwide cultural landscape. Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand’s $100M donation to the Black Community, in addition to their collaboration with Howard University, advances the efforts of groups working to bring about structural change.

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The collaboration strengthens Jordan Brand’s ties to HBCU culture, which has influenced every facet of Black culture in North America, and celebrates the university’s history through fostering cross-cultural ties.

“Howard University and Jordan Brand share a legacy of excellence and deep commitment to the Black Community. As a HBCU graduate, I understand the educational impact an institution like Howard University has. We are proud to partner with Howard University and see the growth in Black talent on the field and well beyond it,” said Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President.

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“We have always been proud of our legacy at Howard University, but we are audacious enough to believe our future could be brighter than our past,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, Howard University President. “Partnering with Jordan Brand is another signal of our ambitions as a university to become an even brighter beacon for Black Excellence. We are thrilled to work on that vision of greatness together.”

The inaugural Jumpman jerseys for the Howard University athlete program will be unveiled on August 27, setting the foundation for an exciting future for the organization.

Kery Davis, Athletic Director for Howard University, added, “This partnership amplifies the culture of champions we are building at Howard. After winning multiple MEAC Championships last year we are poised to continue with Jordan Brand by our side.”

“HBCU‘s have been impacting culture since the beginning. Now we see a new era on the horizon, and an opportunity with Jordan Brand to introduce Howard University to the world. I’m excited to see our university collaborate with a partner like Jordan Brand that already means so much to the Black Community. Together, we have the power to make a difference and inspire the next generation of students to do the same,” said Jordyn Allen, Howard University Student Association President. 

You can learn more about Jordan Brand’s $100M commitment to the Black Community here.

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