The Shawn Carter Foundation Archives

The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation Launch Partnership to Combat Nationwide Book Ban

July 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

JAY-Z Becomes First Black Male Artist to Have 10 Albums Go Double-Platinum

The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism launched their joint initiative to combat the nationwide book ban and safeguard educational freedom, pledging an initial $2 million fund. The partnership, announced last week, aims to preserve culture, diversify thought, and protect centers of knowledge and creativity nationwide, working together to halt the spread of hate and prevent history from repeating itself.

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) will be a significant beneficiary of this collaboration, receiving $1.5 million to bolster its operations and support the Books Unbanned initiative. This nationwide campaign is dedicated to providing unrestricted access to books for young people, promoting free exchange of ideas.

The donation will enhance various BPL programs, including teen and children’s initiatives, justice programs, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, bridging the digital divide, and combating censorship.

Additionally, the generous support will boost attendance at BPL, especially with the recent opening of The Book of HOV exhibit honoring Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter’s life and legacy, drawing nearly 15,000 visitors during the opening weekend alone.

The collaboration comes as a response to the alarming rise in hate crimes and book bans, with 1,586 books banned in U.S. schools during the 2021–2022 academic year, 22% of which addressed issues of race and racism. The history of Nazi Germany, where books were burned and knowledge suppressed, serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of such actions. The foundations’ united efforts stand firm in the fight against hate, ensuring history’s dark chapters are never repeated.

The post The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation Launch Partnership to Combat Nationwide Book Ban first appeared on The Source.

The post The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation Launch Partnership to Combat Nationwide Book Ban appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] DJ Khaled Lists Why He Thinks JAY-Z is the GOAT

July 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

DJ Khaled Enters Exclusive Partnership with Def Jam, Named Global Creative Consultant

DJ Khaled was among many stars to attend JAY-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation Gala. While walking the red carpet, DJ Khaled was stopped and asked to speak on HOV, revealing why he feels the rapper and billionaire is the GOAT.

“Hov is the GOAT for a lot of reasons,” Khaled said to Billboard. “It would take many books to write the reason why, but for me, it’s to let you know that it’s possible. When I say possible, anything he puts his mind to he makes it happen and takes it to the higher heights.

“What I love about him the most is that he’s always there to help somebody. Come on, that’s Jay-Z, the best rapper to ever do it, entrepreneur, mogul, father, family man, friend, partner. It’s too many. That’s HOV did!”

The Shawn Carter Foundation commemorated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded black-tie gala at Pier Sixty in New York City.

The event brought together influential figures from the worlds of music, sports, business, and entertainment, including JAY-Z, Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, and Robert Kraft, among many others. The foundation successfully raised $20 million during the evening, with a $10 million donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.

This significant contribution will enable the foundation to expand its initiatives, such as scholarships, international exchange programs, and community assistance programs for individuals facing socioeconomic challenges. Jack Dorsey also contributed an additional $2 million to the foundation.

Before the gala, The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism announced a partnership to combat nationwide book bans and protect educational freedom, with both organizations donating $1 million each. Fanatics and Live Nation further supported the cause with $500,000 contributions each. The collaborative effort aims to provide book donations, legal support, and additional resources to protect creatives and institutions affected by book bans.

The Shawn Carter Foundation, co-founded by Gloria Carter and JAY-Z, is committed to empowering underserved youth and families through college scholarships, educational tours, and wealth-building programs.