NBA Hall of Famer, Barkley, aiding HBCUs
TUSKEGEE, Ala. (BVM) — Most people know Charles Barkley as the comedic TV personality from the NBA on TNT. Starring alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Ernie Johnson, Barkley is always full of antics.
Others know Barkley for his legendary NBA career. Back in his hay day, The Round Mound of Rebound was an 11-time all-star, one-time MVP and averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
But with all these memorable ways Sir Charles is recalled, his generosity is typically overlooked. Many people don’t realize that for the last five years, Barkley has donated millions of dollars to HBCUs across America. He wants to promote excellence in education for Black generations to come.
The most recent donation recipient was Tuskegee University, thanks in part to Tuskegee native Greg Turner. Barkley’s good friend and former Auburn teammate was advocating for the University, and Barkley promised him that they’d be next.
Hence, the $1 million donation that the Chuckster hopes will go towards academic scholarships. He has made this donation in the same amount to four other schools: Alabama A&M, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse College and Miles College.
While this money is going a long way for the HBCUs, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on more unforeseen difficulties in the academic world. With virtual learning now a common practice across the U.S., many students don’t have the resources necessary to participate. Barkley is doing what he can to squash these troubles.
His former high school, Leeds High School, was struggling themselves with getting students integrated to virtual learning. Barkley donated them 200 computers, and says that AT&T donated one year of free wireless internet access for the students.
“I spoke to the school’s principal and he said, ‘We got 500 students and 200 computers,” Barkley told reporters. “That math doesn’t add up. We’ve got to find a way to help these kids compete…I don’t want them to be left behind.”
So while most nights during the NBA season you may find Charles Barkley heckling Shaq on live, national television, he does have a caring side. He’s dedicated to the success of Black students across the nation and his unselfishness shouldn’t go unnoticed.
