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Michael Jackson’s $300 Million Legacy
By Lauren Bayne Anderson
Michael Jackson died Thursday after going into cardiac arrest, at the age of 50. While no one disputes he was the King of Pop, what you may not have known is that he was a big philanthropist — to the tune of $300 million — to various charities. And a chunk of that went to scholarships.
In fact, in the Millennium-Issue of the “Guinness Book Of Records” Jackson was recognized as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations.
In 1986 Jackson gave $1.5 million to set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund”, aimed at students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a member United Negro College Fund college or university. The scholarship has helped hundreds of students attend college.
Jackson also contributed to the Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund and many other charities aimed at education and special needs children.
The following is a list of some of the charities he publicly helped, taken from AllMichaelJackson.com:
- AIDS Project L.A.
- American Cancer Society
- Angel Food
- Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
- BMI Foundation, Inc.— Support music education for gifted youngsters.
- Brotherhood Crusade
- Brothman Burn Center
- Camp Ronald McDonald
- Childhelp U.S.A. – Aims at meeting the needs of abused an neglected children—including education.
- Children’s Institute International
- Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
- Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
- Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
- Dakar Foundation
- Dreamstreet Kids
- Dreams Come True Charity
- Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
- Love Match
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Minority Aids Project
- Motown Museum
- NAACP
- National Rainbow Coalition
- Rotary Club of Australia
- Society of Singers
- Starlight Foundation
- The Carter Center’s Atlanta Project
- The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
- Transafrica
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- United Negro College Fund Ladder’s of Hope
- UNESCO—The proceeds of one of his tours went to the education of children in developing countries.
- Volunteers of America
- Watts Summer Festival
- Wish Granting
- YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw
AlexaM161
4 months ago
i adore that man, such a great, talented musician and humanitarian. he's a legend and so caring.
JohnP1123
4 months ago
Rip
ShantiliaA2
4 months ago
No matter what he may have become in his last years of his life he was truly an awesome entertainer and humanitarian!!!! He will live on forever through his music! R.I.P. MJJ!
MalickD
4 months ago
Whether you believe or not MJ was and stiill will be one of the biggest icon to influence people in and out of the music industry. I remember how huge MJ palyed a positive role in people lives back home in Africa years ago, it was amazing how we used to go carzy when we heard MJ palying on the radio eventhough we never undestood english. The bootom line is that MJ will never be forgotten, my condeleances goes out to MJ's family. I love you and RIP MJ.
melaluc2002
4 months ago
The say "With Great Power comes Great Responsibility", and MJ had talent that wielded great power over people's hearts. He not only gave through his talent, but through what he was blessed to receive. He was truly a good hearted person and shall be sorely missed.
NatashaD125
4 months ago
MJ was such a great person, it's unbelieveable how new reports focused on the negative rather then all positive things MJ was doing. We truly Lost a Legend. Rest in Peace. We Love you.
RAY9210
4 months ago
Michael Jackson was an amazing individual regardless of the negative scrutiny he received from the media. Michael Jackson was a humanitarian and phenominal artist. He gave his heart to the world and his fans. His music will live on forever. I pray for his family in this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Michael Jackson.
ChristineC812
4 months ago
The King of Pop! May you Rest in Peace! You had a big heart and definitely in tuned with your inner child of which not much people can say for themselves. In these times, as people grow older they become more cold and bitter. You gave a lot and inspired a lot. God Bless You!!!
MaryA119
4 months ago
Wow. Michael Jackson was such a great man. Giving so much of his own money to so many charities was so amazingly beautiful. God bless him and his family.