Source: Fortune
Summary
MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and a prominent philanthropist, credits author and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison with shaping her writing and career. Morrison was Scott’s creative writing professor at Princeton University and helped her publish her first novel. Scott has since donated over $1.2 billion to historically Black colleges and universities, with some grants going towards institutions that have honored Morrison’s legacy. Scott’s philanthropic efforts have been influenced by her relationship with Morrison and her experiences as a writer and entrepreneur.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. MacKenzie Scott’s donations to historically Black colleges and universities total over $1.2 billion, with $700 million given in 2025 alone. Her philanthropic efforts have been influenced by her relationship with Toni Morrison, who helped her publish her first novel and find her footing as a writer. Scott’s unrestricted grants to universities are a testament to her trust in their ability to use the funds effectively. As a prominent philanthropist, Scott’s actions are a reflection of her values and priorities. The announcement sounds familiar, but the impact is undeniable.
Author: Evan Null
