By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — Prominent entertainers don’t always make good on their public pledges, but last week Sean Combs AKA “Diddy” fulfilled one he made to a school that he credits for helping launch his career. Though he didn’t ultimately graduate, Sean Combs still feels a strong debt of gratitude to Howard University. Last year during the BET Awards he promised to donate $1 million to the university. The head of Bad Boy Entertainment made good on that vow last Friday. The official donation was confirmed by the school’s newspaper The Hilltop. “Mr. Combs has fully honored every public pledge of support he has made to Howard University. This includes both public pledges to donate to Howard University, each for $1 million,” said David P. Bennett, Howard University’s Development and Alumni Relations senior vice president. Bennett also verified that Diddy was instrumental in spearheading other “philanthropic efforts” for the university as well.
“In addition to his public pledges, Mr. Combs has also supported Howard University and our students in many private ways”, he continued. “This includes through contributions, internships and hiring many Howard alumni at Combs Global.” In 2016, while on the Bad Boy Reunion tour, Diddy told the packed house at Washington D.C.’S Verizon Center that he would donate a million dollars to Howard’s School of Business to roll out the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. Combs attended Howard in the early 90s, and laid the foundation for what ultimately became his Bad Boy empire. Despite not completing his studies, Howard has still recognized his generosity. They awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2014.
“I was blessed to receive a great education from Howard University – one of the best schools in the world – and it helped to fuel my success in business and life,” Combs said via a statement at the time of receiving that degree. “This scholarship will make it possible for the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness. When I delivered the commencement address at Howard, I asked the students, ‘Do you know how powerful you are?’ I know that Howard students are intelligent, talented, passionate, and their hard work will shape the future.”
Forbes estimated Combs’ net worth last year at $1 billion. Besides founding Bad Boy Records in 1993 and helping it through various transitions and distribution agreements, he co-founded the TV network and news website Revolt in 2013 and has been the brand ambassador for the vodka retailer Ciroc since 2007.
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