On Friday evening (7/14), The Shawn Carter Foundation hosted a black-tie gala at Pier Sixty in New York City to celebrate the organization’s 20-year anniversary.
The night saw the biggest names in music, sports, business and entertainment come together, including Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Mrs. Gloria Carter, Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, Babyface, Regina Hall, Yo Gotti, Angela Simmons, Miguel, Tinashe, A$AP Ferg, Saint Jhn, actor Chazz Palminteri, MLB All-Star Robinson Cano, NFL All-Pro Dez Bryant, Angie Martinez, Corey Gamble, social justice activist Tamika Mallory, Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Nadeska Alexis, NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown Jr., Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Tyler Lacy, and more.
By the end of the evening, The Shawn Carter Foundation had raised $20 million that will be used to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships further their education at postsecondary institutions, including a $10 million legacy donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. The donation will enable the foundation to exponentially expand multiple initiatives including our international exchange program, scholarships and community goodwill and emergency assistance programs. Jack Dorsey donated an additional $2 million to the foundation, as part of his annual contribution.
Shortly before the gala, The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism announced a partnership to stop the nationwide book bans and protect educational freedom. As part of the collaboration, both organizations teamed up to contribute $1 million to advocate for free speech and intellectual learning. Later in the evening, Fanatics and Live Nation contributed an additional $500,000 apiece to further support the initiative. The collaborative effort will enable both organizations to provide book donations, legal support, marketing assistance, publishing help and additional resources to protect creatives and institutions harmed by the nationwide book ban.
For context, The Shawn Carter Foundation was co-founded in 2003 by Ms. Gloria Carter and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. The foundation has provided students with college scholarships and tours to historically black colleges and universities, study abroad opportunities, wealth building programs, and more for underserved youth and families from disenfranchised communities. All proceeds from Friday’s gala will help to open the doors of education, travel, enlightenment and experiences to those that may never have thought it possible.
Photos by: Thaddaeus McAdams
