The Hampton Script

Anisa Saigo | Staff Writer

Mega rap star Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, is set to host the inaugural Shawn Carter Foundation Gala on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, Billboard reported.

“Equipping our youth with the tools to succeed will always be a priority for me and my family,” said Jay-Z, according to Billboard. “I’m looking forward to continuing that mission at this year’s Shawn Carter Foundation Gala Weekend, where we’ll celebrate our scholars and continue to support young people in a meaningful way.”

Coming from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z didn’t grow up with many advantages that he is fortunate to have now. Through his organization, the Shawn Carter Foundation, he is providing young black children the opportunity to explore colleges. Not only is he giving the opportunity to explore, but he is also making sure they are not limited to only predominantly white universities and colleges. Although he did not graduate from college himself, the billionaire understands that going to school is important, as is the opportunity to attend historically black colleges and universities.

The weekend will include a blackjack tournament experience, live and silent auctions, and a black-tie gala. Alicia Keys is also expected to perform as well. The Shawn Carter Foundation was founded in 2003 by Jay-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter. The purpose of the foundation is to grant children the opportunities that Jay-Z never had growing up. The list of programs includes: College Prep and Exposure, International Exposure, Scholarship Fund, Scholar Support, Community and Goodwill Programs and Professional Development.

The buy-in for the invitation-only blackjack game is $100,000. An extra $40,000 will include a VIP all-access weekend. The Hard Rock is funding $500,000 for the jackpot winner. Many celebrities are expected to be in attendance, including Beyoncé, Rihanna and Meek Mill. Jay-Z recently announced during the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Bus Tour that his foundation teamed up with Toyota to give students opportunities to visit historically black colleges.

Keys will perform during one of the events Nov.16.

Besides the Shawn Carter Foundation, Jay-Z has supported many charities throughout the years. He has given back to: Artists for Peace and Justice, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, GLAA, Global Citizen, Global Poverty Project, GRAMMY Foundation, Keep A Child Alive, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Music for Relief, Play Pumps, Red Cross, Robin Hood and the United Way. According to The New York Post, through the Shawn Carter Foundation, the scholarship fund gave $407,250 in grants to 255 students.

Tickets for the gala, including the concert with Alicia Keys, are $70 to $230 at Ticketmaster and MYHRL.com. For more information, go to SCFGalaWeekend2019.com.