After announcing during the 2022 BET Awards that he would be making a $1 million pledge to Howard University, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ year-and-a-half-old donation has been satisfied, according to university officials.
The Hilltop previously reported in 2022 that Combs had not yet delivered on the gift.
Howard University’s Development and Alumni Relations Senior Vice President David P. Bennett said that the pledge of $1 million, as well as a myriad of other philanthropic efforts, have been carried out by Combs.
“Mr. Combs has fully honored every public pledge of support he has made to Howard University. This includes both public pledges to donate to Howard University, each for $1 million,” Bennett said.
According to Bennett, the Howard alum does more than just what makes headlines.
“In addition to his public pledges, Mr. Combs has also supported Howard University and our students in many private ways. This includes through contributions, internships and hiring many Howard alumni at Combs Global.”
Bennett also referenced a previous donation made by Combs to the School of Business in 2016 for scholarships and internship opportunities, as well as his involvement in other areas of support to the university.
His contributions have also encouraged Tarik Brooks, CEO of Combs Global and Howard alum, to serve as the inaugural executive in residence for the Warner/Blavatnik Center for Music for the School of Business, Bennett says.
The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music and Business currently offers students a one-year fellowship program for individuals interested in careers in the music industry. This fellowship provides students with the opportunity to interact with business executives, coaching, mentorship and more from the top industry leaders.
Last year, the donation was reportedly in the early stages of being developed, according to Combs’ public relations team.
Following the updates, The Hilltop reached out to Combs’ team for comment on recent progress regarding the promised pledge but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Due to Howard’s Donor Bill of Rights policy, documentation of the contributions could not be publicized. However, Monica Lewis, assistant vice president of strategic communications in the Office of University Communications, said that the university “…can reiterate that Mr. Combs has honored or exceeded all commitments he has made to Howard University, publicly or privately.”
After the donation was confirmed, there were no public announcements made to the Howard community of its completion. According to both sources, the University has Combs’ full support in terms of giving back to his alma mater.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew
