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7 ways Prince gave back
The silence of Prince’s charitable giving echoes loudly
On April 21, fans around the world tuned in as news of Prince’s death unfolded. For days and weeks, mourners cherished his memory by acknowledging his music — a legacy he created that will always be a part of history.
In the past three months, we learned more about the pop icon. We’ve always known him as an exemplar of his musical artistry. But Prince left a memory that stretched far beyond his music. His generous but private giving, social activism and thoughtful philanthropic efforts touched the lives of many. He shared his millions of dollars with those in need of help and requested his gifts be kept silent.
Here are seven ways Prince gave back to others before his death:
1. Prince was saddened by recent violence in the black community. The death of Freddie Gray struck an emotional chord with the singer who was huge on social activism. He wrote the song “Baltimore” and released a documentary-style video in Gray’s honor.
2. Prince felt young adults should have more opportunity in the field of technology and wanted to see diversity in those high-paying careers. So he supported #YesWeCode, an initiative that helps “urban youth achieve a promising future by connecting tech and social justice leaders to spearhead revolutionary tech programs.”
3. Prince had his own charity called Love 4 One Another. The organization donated millions of dollars to community programs in the United States, including those in his home city of Minneapolis.
4. As reported by E! News, Prince donated $1 million to the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit organization for children and families living in poverty.
5. Prince also donated $250,000 to the Uptown Dance Academy in New York.
6. Prince donated $12,000 to the Louisville Free Public Library to avoid its closing and requested that the award be kept private.
7. He reportedly also gave donations to City of Hope, Edith Couey Memorial Scholarship, Elevate Hope Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Goss-Michael Foundation, Helping and Loving Orphans (H.A.L.O.), Jazz Foundation of America, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, The Bridge for Youth and Urban Farming.