MBN USA

December 15, 2021

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HBCU alums Samuel L. Jackson, wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson donate $5 million to Spelman

Spelman College alumna LaTanya Richardson and her husband Samuel L. Jackson are donating $5 million toward the renovation of the college’s John D. Rockefeller Fine Arts building, the largest alumnae donation in Spelman’s history.

The couple’s generous donation was previously reported but the amount wasn’t disclosed –until now.

“The love that both LaTanya and Sam continue to exhibit for Spelman since their time on stage decades ago is heartwarming,” Spelman President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell said in a news release.

“These living legends met and acted together on stage on our campus,” she added. “Their dedication to their artistry will leave a legacy that will inspire students in the Atlanta University Center for years to come.”

Spelman College announced on Twitter that the “renovated theater, lobby, dressing rooms and supporting areas” once complete will be named the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center.

Following news in May of the undisclosed amount that LaTanya and Samuel donated to Spelman, Richardson Jackson said in a statement that she and her husband “are invested in the success of Spelman because Spelman first invested so much in us.”

The Hollywood couple met while Richardson Jackson was at Spelman College and Jackson was attending Morehouse College. They performed leading roles with the Morehouse Spelman Players on Spelman’s theatrical stage in the 1970s. Richardson Jackson served on the college’s board from 1998 to 2006.