Shawn Carter Foundation's 20th Anniversary Gala Raises $20 Million
The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrates its 20th year anniversary with a star-studded gala, raising $20 million to support education for individuals facing socio-economic hardships. We discuss it here!
By: Joshua Martin
The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrated its 20th year anniversary with a black tie gala event at Pier Sixty in New York City that brought out some of the most influential names in sports, music, business and entertainment. The event raised $20 million dollars to help people facing socio economic hardships further their education at postsecondary institutions.
The fundraising included a $10 million legacy donation from Amazon founder and entrepreneur Jeff Bezos. Twitter co-founder and Square CEO Jack Dorsey also donated an additional $2 million as a part of his annual contributions. Those donations will help the organization kick start multiple initiatives, including an international exchange program, scholarships, and community goodwill and emergency assistance programs.
The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft's Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism join forces in a $2 million partnership aimed at safeguarding educational freedom and combating nationwide book bans, providing crucial resources such as book donations, legal support, and assistance to protect both creatives and educational institutions affected by these bans, with additional support from Fanatics and Live Nation.
Jay-Z, Ms. Carter, and even the “Queen Bee” herself was in attendance. Beyonce even took to social media to share a series of photos and a video montage of the night's festivities.
Other guests included musical artists DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, Meek Mill, Babyface, Miguel, Tinashe, A$AP Ferg and Saint Jhn. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and Fanatics founder Michael Rubin were also in attendance, as well as Regina Hall, Chazz Palminteri, Robinson Cano, Dez Bryant, Angie Martinez, Corey Gamble, Tamika Mallory, Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden and more.
The Shawn Carter Foundation was cofounded in 2003 by Jay-Z and his mother Gloria Carter and is committed to empowering underserved youth and families through college scholarships, educational tours and wealth-building programs.
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JT Launches 'No Bars Reform' to Support Formerly Incarcerated Women
JT launches ‘No Bars Reform,’ a transformative initiative supporting formerly incarcerated women as they reintegrate into society. We discuss it here!
LOS ANGELES - JUN 25: Jatavia Shakara Johnson, JT of City Girls at the 2023 BET Awards Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA
Credit: Kathy Hutchins via Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Today July 14th, grammy-nominated rapper JT, known for her powerful voice and advocacy, has launched No Bars Reform, a transformative initiative aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated women as they navigate the challenges of reintegration into society. The program, lead by JT, seeks to provide vital resources, mentorship, and opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth, ultimately fostering a pathway to success and breaking the cycle of recidivism.
Recognizing the unique struggles faced by women post-incarceration, JT's No Bars Reform focuses on addressing key issues such as housing insecurity, limited job prospects, and the stigma associated with having a criminal record. Through partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support network that empowers women to overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.
After spending almost two years in a Florida Prison before being released in 2020, JT has vowed to use her voice and platform to help other incarcerated women rehabilitate into society by assisting with resources such as therapy, job placement, social services, and housing.
Driven by her own experiences and a desire for change, she is dedicated to ensuring that formerly incarcerated women are given a fair chance to thrive. She emphasized the importance of second chances and the need for society to offer compassion and opportunities for growth. JT's personal journey has inspired her to use her platform to shed light on the systemic challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system and to advocate for meaningful reform.
No Bars Reform will provide a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of formerly incarcerated women. These include access to affordable housing, job training and placement programs, educational opportunities, mental health support, and mentorship programs. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to recidivism, the initiative aims to break down barriers and empower women to reintegrate successfully into society.
The launch of No Bars Reform marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for criminal justice reform and the reimagining of post-prison support systems. JT's commitment to effecting change and her dedication to the well-being of formerly incarcerated women serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals seeking a fresh start.
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Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com