United Negro College Fund

Michael was one of the stars that contributed performances to ‘An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence’, an annual fundraiser for United Negro College Foundation (UNCF). The four hour telethon was broadcast live in the US on over 70 television channels on Saturday, January 8th 2000. Michael’s ‘Earth Song’ performance from Seoul was shown during the programme.

William H. Gray, III, president and CEO of UNCF said prior to the program; “Last year’s event raised a record $13 million in cash and pledges. As we move into a new century, it is urgent that we continue to recognize the necessity of higher education.”

Michael has supported the United Negro College Fund for many years and in 1986 he established the ‘Michael Jackson Endowed Scholarship Fund’. Through this $1.5 million endowed fund, scholarships are awarded each year to UNCF students majoring in the performing arts and communications.

Source: USA Today, UNCF, Netnoir & MJIFC