Spelman College’s $100 million Gift: The Good, Bad, Right and Wrong it Reveals

Spelman College’s $100 million Gift: The Good, Bad, Right and Wrong it Reveals.

Just in case you did not watch the CBS Morning News Show on January 18, 2024, a historic announcement was made which instantly reminded me of what it means to be called a caring and rational “American” during this period of history.

First, let me address this historic announcement.

Then, let me share with you “the good,” “the bad,” “the right” and “the wrong” associated with the un-politicized essence of this revealing gift.

The day's historic and nationally broadcasted announcement reported the news that Spelman College, a historically Black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent, had received a $100 million gift from Ronda Stryker and her husband William Johnston. Ms. Stryker has served on the Spelman College Board of Trustees since 1997 and just happens to be the billionaire granddaughter of the founder of medical device maker Stryker Corporation.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2023, only 14?American colleges and universities received mega gifts of $100 million or more.

Surprisingly, only two of those went to an Ivy League institution, and eight went either to a public university or a small college, like Spelman.

Based on the facts that Spelman College ranks 39th on the list of Best National Liberal Arts institutions, and for the 17th consecutive year,?Spelman has earned the distinction of being the No.?1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the nation, ?this announcement, in itself, was a worthy, one-day news story.

However, from a broader and deeper perspective, “the good,” “the bad,” “the right” and “the wrong” associated with this historical announcement reveals some interesting observations and raises some fundamental questions regarding the early 21st century American society, and those who all proudly call themselves “Americans.”

As a long-time student of human psychology the broader and deeper perspective, which framed my observations that morning when I listened to this public announcement is summarized as follows.

The Good

This significant, private donation is a good philanthropic gesture by a couple of sincere “one percenters.”

But, just imagine if only half of the other 1.31 million “one percenters” worked more closely with those Americans who are focusing on improving the basics of livelihood in America, like Ms. Stryker. If so, then the operative question might be: “how many more news outlets would be forced to present thousands of stories about what the millions of Americans are doing to be more caring and rational versus who is winning and who is losing?”

The Bad

It is a bad idea for only one major news outlet to give this type of historic announcement top billing.

"Bull possibly thrown into different pasture by severe weather”; “Senate passes [another] stopgap bill to prevent a shutdown, sending it to the House”; “Trump looms over E. Jean Carroll defamation trial even in absence”, and “the key takeaways from the US Justice Department’s review of the Uvalde school shooting response”.

All four of the national news headlines above have at least two things in common:

1) They are the actual headlines which introduced the stories presented by the major news outlets that same morning. While in contrast, CBS aired similar stories, as well as the “live” on-campus announcement and a “live” in-studio interview with the Spelman College President; and

2) Obviously these stories have priority in news value in the minds of the 15 billionaires who own America's news media companies.

However, during my 71 years of being an American, I have come to question the intention of the richest and most educated Americans today. My suspicions are based on my consistently validated belief in the famous quote attributed to Lord Buddha, “We are what we think, all that we are…arises with our thoughts, with our thoughts we make the world.”?

The reality of our “world” is that we are a country of over 330 million independently thinking individuals, living in 50 culturally diverse and governed States, and with 247 years of recorded history whose facts are politicized as being debatable. It is also no secret that the “thoughts” [a.k.a. messages] that are nationally and repeatedly broadcasted, heavily Influences “what hundreds of millions of unsuspecting Americans are thinking about” and minimizes the societal value of being caring and rational. In fact, the messages often elevate feelings of hopelessness and honest beliefs that its “the other guy’s fault.”

It forces me to wonder if this is just an unknowing coincidence, or a diabolical strategy.

?The Right

The timing of making mega financial gifts to HBCUs seems right.

A March 2023 Harvard Business Review article by Eric Suman, Eric Knowles and Amit Goldenberg shared detailed insights as to why many Americans conclude that, “In recent years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Many people have eagerly embraced these efforts, but some have criticized and resisted them.”

To be brief here, it only seems right to me that supporting HBCUs, like Spelman College, with mega financial gifts at this time is a crucial part of maintaining this positive growth, and “not going back.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “HBCUs have provided undergraduate training for three-fourths of all black persons holding a doctorate degree; three-fourths of all black officers in the armed forces; and four-fifths of all black federal judges.”

To fully understand the historical need and value of HBCUs in America, you must roll back the clock to the 1800s, and The Second Morrill Land-Grant Act of the 1890s, which mandated that either public universities open their doors to Black students, or establish more HBCUs.

The Wrong

Is it wrong for us, as Americans, to be on the right-side of humanity?

Without doubt, many of the Americans who hear about this historic announcement, and some of those who took the time to read or listen to this message in its entirety, will find well-constructed criticism in abundance. As we all know, unfortunately, such unsubstantiated, baseless, and politically charged disapproval has become accepted social discourse and behavior at all levels within American society today. Some may also simply view the concern with seeking “humanity,” on any level, as someone else’s problem to be addressed.

When it comes to embracing the reality of humanity, I am reminded of a definition of humanity attributed to Anju Chhatwani, an early childhood educator and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) professional.

In her words:

“Humanity means caring for and helping others whenever and wherever possible. Humanity means helping others at times when they need that help the most, humanity means forgetting our selfish interests at times when others need our help. Humanity means extending unconditional love to every living being on Earth.”

Cheers to Ronda Stryker, her husband William Johnston, their faith in Spelman College and their courage to make such a bold move.