Photo by: CAU Media Relations
Award-winning writer Kenya Barris and his wife, Dr. Rainbow Barris, just donated $1 million dollars to their alma mater of Clark Atlanta University.
The couple, who are parents of six children, both graduated from the historically Black university in 1996, Kenya with a degree in mass media arts, and Rainbow, with a biology degree. Since then, Kenya has created the Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe-winning television series “Black-ish,” as well as its successful spinoff “Grown-ish”, while Rainbow went on to become a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Photo via: New York Times
“Mr. Barris has lifted his powerful voice in the entertainment industry to explore issues of classism and racism in creative and humorous ways,” said President of Clark Atlanta, Dr. Ronald A. Johnson. “In giving back to their alma mater, he has again used his powerful voice to articulate the importance of supporting this beloved institution that is giving our students the skills and confidence to find and lift their own voices in the field of their choice.”
The donation will be named the Kenya and Rainbow Barris Annual Scholarship Award. It will be split in half to support students majoring in mass media arts and students majoring in biology.
According to AJC, “Their gift is the largest single gift from alumni since the consolidation of Clark Atlanta University in 1988.”
Kenya received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during Clark Atlanta’s 2018 commencement on May 21.
We’re sending a huge salute to Kenya and Rainbow Barris for paying it forward and investing in present and future HBCU students.