MacKenzie Scott Just Dropped $70 Million for HBCUs — Let’s Talk About It

When I saw the headline about MacKenzie Scott donating $70 million to HBCUs, I had to clutch my coffee cup, y’all. Like—wow. This isn’t just a random big check, this is a move that could literally shift futures.

Here’s the tea: Scott (yes, the billionaire ex of Jeff Bezos, but also a serious philanthropist in her own right) gave $70M to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The money is going into a pooled endowment that will support 37 historically Black colleges and universities. Translation? Each school will see about $10 million working for them in the long run, generating steady returns every single year.

That’s not one-time money. That’s sustainable, long-term income to help these schools breathe a little easier.

Why This Is Huge

• HBCUs have always been underfunded. Their endowments are way smaller compared to big predominantly White institutions (PWIs). This levels the playing field a little bit.

• Unrestricted money is rare. Most big donations come with a laundry list of rules. Scott said nope — use it how you need to. That means paying staff, upgrading buildings, funding scholarships, you name it.

• It sets the tone. When someone of her status drops money like this, it puts HBCUs back in the spotlight. Other donors and institutions might finally start stepping up.

  
  

Beyond the Headlines

This is about more than just millions. It’s about respect. It’s about saying to HBCUs: we see your worth, we believe in your mission, and we trust you to lead.

So many of our doctors, teachers, lawyers, artists, and leaders have come from HBCUs — often against the odds, with fewer resources. Imagine what they’ll do when they actually have the funding to match their brilliance?

My Take

Listen, I love seeing this kind of energy. I hope this isn’t just a one-off “feel good” headline. I want this to spark a chain reaction. Imagine if more billionaires, corporations, and even state governments poured into HBCUs the way Scott just did? The ripple effects in our communities would be unstoppable.

For now though, let’s give credit where it’s due: this is a major win for Black higher education. And for all the students walking into class today at an HBCU, this gift is a reminder that the world is finally starting to pay attention.

👉🏾 What do y’all think? Does this kind of donation really change the game, or do we need way more to see real equity?