BLACK HISTORY
- Great Events In African-American History
Tony Brown Donates $100,000 to Hampton University Scholarship Fund and sows the seeds of success for future journalists
Hampton, VA – In 2009, Tony Brown donated $100,000 to the Hampton University scholarship fund. Brown, the first Dean Emeritus of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University, commentator and executive producer of the PBS series Tony Brown's Journal, made the donation in the form of an annuity trust that will produce more wealth and prosperity, via skills in the future for all Americans.
"I am continuously inspired by Dean Brown's professionalism, meticulous work ethic, talent, energy and commitment to higher education," said HU President Dr. William R. Harvey. "Here at Hampton we believe that education and hard work continue to be the means by which individuals may enhance their future career and contribute more effectively to our society. Dean Brown's donation will certainly assist our efforts to produce future leaders in the field of journalism."
The scholarships will go to students enrolled in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.
"I want to use my wealth to help support Hampton University," said Brown. "I also want to help future journalists and communications students graduate so they may have successful careers."
Brown was the commentator of the PBS series, Tony Brown's Journal, the longest running series on the PBS network during a portion of its 40-year run on public television and in commercial TV syndication. He was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' prestigious Silver Circle. With this honor, he joins such television icons as Walter Cronkite who "have made enduring contributions to the vitality of the television industry and set the highest standards of achievement for all to emulate." He is also the former Chief Executive Officer of Urban America Television Network (UATV). Recently, Brown also became the first recipient of the National Director's Legacy Award for Journalism from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency. An accomplished educator, Brown served as dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University from 2004 until 2009 and during that time he implemented programs that emphasized writing including the Dean's 6 O'clock Club and the Academy of Writing Excellence. He also started the first Grammar Bee in the School’s history.
In May of 2009, Brown was appointed as the first Dean Emeritus of the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications by HU President Dr. William R. Harvey. Brown was also the first and founding dean, as well as professor, of the School of Communications at Howard University, where he established a highly distinguished academic and professional record.
Brown is the bestselling author of three books, including "What Mama Taught Me," which describes the seven core values he learned from his adoptive mother, Elizabeth Sanford, a maid and a dishwasher, in segregated Charleston, West Virginia, that have sustained him through life. He is also the author of "Black Lies, White Lies: The Truth According to Tony Brown," which sold 100,000 copies.
