In the Press
Read the latest news mentions about Robert F. Smith and his business and giving to support his communities.
This Week in History
05/16/2023
On May 19, 2019, Robert F. Smith announced he would pay off the college loans of the nearly 400 students in Morehouse College’s graduating class.
Read ArticleThe Legal Defense Fund Celebrates 35 Years of Advancing the Culture Through Achievements by Robert F. Smith, the Jordan Brand and More
05/12/2023
The Legal Defense Fund celebrated its 35th annual National Equal Justice Awards Dinner in New York City, highlighting people and brands pushing for racial justice. The event honored entrepreneur Robert F. Smith in addition to filmmaker Spike Lee, NBA player Carmelo Anthony and others.
Read ArticleCivil Rights Attorney Fred Gray Receives NAACP LDF’s Lifetime Achievement Award
05/05/2023
Fred Gray, a Civil Rights attorney who fought some of the most important legal battles for Black Americans in the last century, was honored with the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund at the 35th National Equal Justice Awards Dinner. Other honorees included businessman Robert F. Smith, the Emerson Collective and Nike Inc.’s Jordan Brand.
Read ArticleGlobal Nonprofit Points of Light Announces Fifth Annual Awards Celebration
05/02/2023
Global nonprofit Points of Light, which promotes social impact to change the world for the better, announced its fifth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. This year, the organization recognized Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor. The annual event honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and individuals who have demonstrated the transformative power of service to drive significant and sustained impact through their actions.
Read ArticleGlobal Nonprofit Points of Light Announces Fifth Annual Awards Celebration to Recognize Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor and Honor President George H.W. Bush's Legacy of Civic Engagement
05/02/2023
The global nonprofit Points of Light, which promotes social impact to change the world for the better, announced its fifth annual celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. This year, the organization recognized Mike and Jacquelyne Love, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith and Rebecca and Christyn Taylor. The annual event honors the legacy of President George H.W. Bush and individuals who have demonstrated the transformative power of service to drive significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions.
Read ArticleParent PLUS Loans Can Debilitate Black Families. Here’s What to Know.
04/27/2023
Instead of using Parent PLUS loans to help pay for college, families should look into scholarships and grants offered by nonprofit organizations. Student Freedom Initiative, a nonprofit organization, offers financial, academic and professional support to students at participating Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Read ArticleThe Student Investment Program Announces Successful Registration of its First Cohort of Students
04/25/2023
Student Freedom Initiative, Stackwell and Prudential Financial announced that the Student Investment Program has completed the registration of its first cohort of 415 students. The program is a multi-year strategic partnership granting $500,000 in funding to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Read ArticleREFORM Alliance Community Day of Action
04/06/2023
Founded in 2019 by Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill, the REFORM Alliance seeks to transform the structures of probation and parole in the U.S. by changing laws, system and culture. Vista Equity Partners Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert F. Smith is among the organization’s co-chairs. This Saturday, REFORM is hosting a Community Day of Action in South Philadelphia as part of Second Chance Month.
Read ArticleNAN Convention to Bring Together VP Harris, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Magic Johnson and More
04/03/2023
The annual convention of the National Action Network (NAN) is taking place in New York City, featuring a four-day summit aimed at discussing threats to democracy and galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement. Speakers include the Reverend Al Sharpton, Vice President Kamala Harris, Tyler Perry, Robert F. Smith and other leaders in business, civil rights, education and entertainment.
Read ArticleThe Only HBCU In Oklahoma—Langston University—Cleared $4.5M In Student Debt Loan
03/29/2023
Langston University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Oklahoma, recently announced it would clear over $4.5 million of the school’s student debt balances using funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The University’s decisions follow on other initiatives to unburden underrepresented students of college debt, including the announcement from businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith in 2019 that he would pay the outstanding tuition costs of Morehouse College’s graduating class.
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