Co-founded by Jay-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter in 2003, The Shawn Carter Foundation hosted a black-tie gala on Friday (7.14) in Manhattan.
Raising $20 million that will be used to help others with socioeconomic hardships further their education at postsecondary institutions, the fundraising included a $10 million legacy donation to the foundation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez as well as Jack Dorsey who donated an additional $2 million as part of his annual contribution.
Held at New York City’s Pier Sixty, the gala celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Shawn Carter Foundation and welcomed a number of high-profile guests in music, sports, business and entertainment, including DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, Meek Mill, Babyface, Miguel, Tinashe, A$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.
In addition to Jay-Z and his mother, Beyoncé was in attendance and subsequently shared a series of Instagram photos from the evening, including her over-the-top gown here, and a video montage from the gala set to the “My Husband” remix that went viral on TikTok.
Throughout the years, the Shawn Carter Foundation has provided college scholarships, study abroad opportunities, wealth building programs and more for underserved youth and families from disenfranchised communities.
Prior to last week’s festivities, The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism announced a partnership and teamed up to contribute $1 million toward stopping nationwide book bans and protecting educational freedom. Fanatics and Live Nation contributed an additional $500,000 each to this initiative, which will provide book donations, legal support, marketing assistance, publishing help and additional resources to protect creatives and institutions harmed by the nationwide book ban.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Nealwhitehousepiper