Beyoncé's foundation donates R1.75 million to university band
Her BeyGOOD Foundation has donated $100,000, over R1.75 million, to Texas Southern University's (TSU) legendary Ocean of Soul Marching Band.
This act of generosity promises to transform the band's future and resonates far beyond the United States.
The donation will fund scholarships, boost recruitment and retention, and provide vital technological and infrastructure upgrades for the band, according to USA Today.
TSU President J.W. Crawford III expressed his gratitude. 'We are deeply appreciative of the BeyGOOD Foundation.
This significant demonstration of its commitment to empowering our student musicians and elevating their form of artistic expression'.
Dr Brian Simmons, director of the Ocean of Soul, emphasised the impact: 'This is more than just a donation. It's an investment in our students, our sound, and our story'.
Beyoncé's support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is well known.
The Ocean of Soul Marching Band gained worldwide attention. The band played during Beyoncé's electrifying halftime performance at the 2024 NFL Christmas Day game in Houston.
Over 200 band members joined her on stage, captivating 27 million viewers on Netflix.
The performance, dubbed the 'Beyoncé Bowl', showcased the band's artistry and the cultural power of HBCUs.
Charlie Coleman III, TSU's senior associate vice president for development, highlighted the broader significance. 'The BeyGOOD Foundation's impactful investment affirms the powerful role that HBCUs play.
This is especially so when shaping the next generation of artistic, academic, and cultural leaders.
This partnership does more than support the Ocean of Soul it also opens doors for our students to access the arts in life-changing ways.
Beyoncé's donation underscores the importance of investing in creative education.
This is not Beyoncé's first act of philanthropy towards HBCUs. In 2018, she launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Programme.
The program aims to support students at several Black universities, including TSU.
Her ongoing Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour continues to shine a light on Black excellence and creativity.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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