Nick Cannon is pouring back into his community in a big way. According to The Source, Cannon recently teamed up with two powerhouse contributors to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Thurgood Marshall Fund and United Negro College Fund.
A little less than a week ago, seven unsurprising HBCU students received a massive gift on behalf of Nick Cannon. The seven students were asked to appear on Cannon’s show and share their unique educational experiences and journeys. Then came the shock of a lifetime. After their heartfelt testimonials, each was surprised to find out they would be recipients of a generous scholarship to clear their collegiate debt post-graduation. And the students were ecstatic, hoping their journeys would be an inspiration to others. In the words of one student, Sharandica Midcalf,
“It’s a pure honor to be able to inspire the underdogs of the world hiding in plain sight.”
Cannon’s Heart of Gold
Nick has never been silent about his support. According to Looktothestars.org, Canon supports eleven charities and twelve causes. And this support is in addition to the time and support he puts into his foundation. He poses himself as not only a philanthropist but a social activist and advocate for the youth. And when asked a decade ago why he gives back, his reply was,
“I was always taught: “To whom much is given, much is required.” I’ve been blessed tremendously throughout my life — so I have to be a blessing to others. It’s my duty, and I enjoy it.”
The Foundation of Giving
HBCUs are powerful fixtures in the Black Community. And organizations like Thurgood Marshall Fund and United Negro College Fund have been powerful forces for fueling opportunity. And that benevolence is especially significant given the current economic climate. According to CNBC, “The Federal Reserve estimates that in quarter two of 2021, Americans owed a startling $1.73 trillion in student loans. And so Nick, also a graduate of an HBCU, felt the tug on his heart. And he extended a helping hand.
Nick Cannon is but a small fish in a big pond.
Nick is only one in a sea of billions. But even the movement of one in a positive direction can inspire others to step up. Even Nick has admitted his heart for giving didn’t spring from nothingness. He, too, was inspired. In Nick’s words,
“I have looked up to so many people that have given way more and done so much, before me. It’s definitely people like Russell Simmons and the same with Quincy Jones who have shown me the way.”
And with any luck, the life-altering move that Nick made will lend to a powerful butterfly effect.
Interested in reading about another philanthropist who is making strides to help others check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article on Pharrell Williams.