Rapper T.I. has opened his pocketbook to support a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Dr. Kevin James, who is the current president of Morris Brown College, as AFROTECH™ previously reported, made an announcement on Jan. 28 that the school has received more than $800,000 in new public and private funding as it continues to rebuild after regaining its accreditation in 2021.
This follows recent uncertainty for the school, which saw James removed from his position in early January 2026 by the college’s Board of Trustees, according to AFROTECH™. At the time, he claimed the removal had been “without providing specific cause or substantive explanation” and that his presidential contract was effective through 2029, per the outlet. James was ultimately reinstated a week later after the school acknowledged that his exit had not been in compliance with the procedural and contractual requirements outlined in his employment agreement.
In the latest funding announcement, James reflected on the HBCU’s values and priorities among the philanthropic community, the Morris Brown College community, and partners, per a video shared by the school.
“We move forward not divided but aligned. Anchored in our mission, guided by our Christian faith, and committed to being excellent,” James explained. “To everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice, the work continues. Our immediate priorities are to continue our healing journey while we continue our focus preparation for our upcoming accreditation visit on next week.”
Donations
He also noted that, as the college is in the midst of a continued hard reset, it has been blessed with several gifts, including from T.I. He donated $50,000, which will go toward endowment and student scholarships, per the video.
“At a time that Morris Brown College is witnessing great growth, support that helps to enhance our campus security will truly make a difference as we prioritize the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” James said, according to ClutchPoints. “As Morris Brown continues its resurgence, we are most appreciative of philanthropic support and will continue to be good ground for people to pour into.”
Additional philanthropic grants and gifts included a nearly $700,000 grant sponsored by U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05) through the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill as well as a $60,000 donation from the Sixth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, per ClutchPoints.
This will support campus security, including creating emergency response plans, upgrading technology, and hiring additional public safety personnel, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
