Colombian children working in one of Shakira's established schools

Photo Credit: La Fundacion Pies Descalzos

In light of Sugar Mama Nicki Minaj –who else gives a damn about education?

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May 10 2017, Updated 9:41 p.m. ET

Sugar Mama Nicki Minaj, upon request, casually Tweeted away some of her fans’ college tuition & education debt:

wp content/uploads///sugarnicki minaj x

“Show me straight A’s that I can verify w/ur school and I’ll pay it.”

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The inquiries rolled in and TMZ confirmed that Nicki is indeed shelling out that young money.

Tweet by @nickiminaj with respect to education debt of fans
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Who else gives a damn about education?

Shakira, since 1997.

Neither her hips nor her commitment to education have ever been lying!

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Shakira with students in Colombia

At 18 years old her international hit sang of “an ancient race with bare feet and white dreams”.  Pies Descalzos, her song and quirky 90s music video, also became the name of Shakira’s foundation, meaning “Barefoot”. Within 10 years, Shakira opened 8 schools, safely seeing Colombia’s most vulnerable children into the classroom.

As witnessed by the Latin sweetheart in Bangladesh, India, Haiti, and Jerusalem: “Entire communities can be transformed when you have a school that functions properly,” she told Billboard in 2014. Renowned for her partnerships in education, the lovely President Barack Obama appointed Shakira as a Member of his Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence in 2011. Follow her foundation’s Instagram to witness the magic!

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Rihanna

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Rhianna at her Diamond Ball fundraiserTo be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor. I am thrilled to be able to do this.

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Rhianna at her Diamond Ball fundraiser
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Exactly one year ago, Riri announced an education initiative designed for native residents of Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, and Jamaica pursuing a Bachelors degree in the United States.  Scholarships of $5,000 to $50,000 were up for grabs.

USA Today quotes ya girl saying, “to be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor…Higher education will provide perspective, opportunities and learning to a group of kids who really deserve this. I am thrilled to be able to do this.”

Don’t forget, she also remains queen of her Diamond Ball, a one night event which has raised $5 million in its two consecutive years –money that is pledged to health, education, arts and culture.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé poses to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of her album, Lemonade.
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If you have not yet heard this buzz, we would be surprised but we got you!

On top of making babies -as women often do- and commemorating a year since the release of her 100% visual album -slightly less common- she is setting a new precedent for how we should value women of color in the arts and education.

The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter Formation Scholars awards [4 total] are now exclusive to Berkelee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design, and Spelman College.

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Who is encouraged to apply?

The official statement reads: “Young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident…pursuing studies in creative arts, music, literature or African-American studies.” With college acceptances rolling in, it won’t be long till these lucky institutions receive the first batch of Bey’s Lemonade leaders this Fall 2017.

¡Voilà! –the fruit born of international music fame and a commitment to expand access to education. Seen any other prominent ladies out there making similar moves?

Comment below & keep us in the know!

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