Charles Barkley recently announced his intention to rework his will. The new document will donate a total of $5,000,000 to his alma mater Auburn for the purpose of providing scholarships. In particular, scholarships for African-American students. Barkley is following in the steps of Magic Johnson, a man who paved the path to his $620,000,000 net worth by establishing thriving businesses in underserved communities. And, having praised Johnson for his work, Sir Charles decided to rework his will, as he explained to AL.com, after the Supreme Court’s decision regarding race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions.
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Chuck has strong connections with Auburn University. Having spent three seasons playing for the Auburn Tigers, The Round of Rebound averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists per game. And, even after being drafted in 1984, his bond remains strong. So much so, that they honored him with a statue out on the campus in 2017.
Following in Magic Johnson’s footsteps Charles Barkley reworks his will in favor of African-American students
In an interview with AL.com, Charles Barkley revealed that he had reworked his will. The reason for his decision had to do with helping African-American students at his alma mater, Auburn University. His way of giving back to the community and helping build it up.
Chuck, seems to be following in the footsteps of another legend, Magic Johnson. The Lakers star, known for his exceptional playmaking made a name off the basketball court as well. With a net worth of $620,000,000, Magic built his empire by empowering underserved communities. And, with the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding affirmative action, Barkley decided to follow suit.
Affirmative action has to do with granting special consideration to historically excluded groups in the United States, specifically racial minorities or women. But, following Students for Fair Admission vs. Harvard, the Supreme Court decided that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions processes violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This prompted many, including Sir Charles to take action.
“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million. I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse. I love Auburn. I’ve actually changed it to be used for kids from poor homes. But after that ruling yesterday, my phone was blowing up. I was talking to my friends and said, ‘I need to make sure Black folks always have a place at Auburn.’ So, I’m gonna change my will and make it exclusive for Black students… all $5 million. It’s just for me the right thing to do. I always want to make sure that Auburn’s diverse.”
The donation will see the $5 million Chuck had initially committed to helping poor homes now go toward African-American students specifically. All in a bid to maintain diversity in Auburn.
Like Charles, several NBA superstars have taken steps to help those in need
Charles Barkley isn’t the only player who has done a lot for the community. Several NBA superstars have taken the initiative to help those in need. From LeBron James and his philanthropic ventures like the I Promise School to Shaquille O’Neal’s work with the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. NBA superstars take every chance they get to give back to society wherever they can.
As for Charles, he too has made many charitable contributions. And, having made more money off his work as an NBA analyst on TNT than he did as a player, Chuck has made several of these contributions both on live television and off it. He truly is a generous person, as are many other NBA players.
