Jay-Z to donate $30,000 to six schools

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rap mogul Jay-Z has donated $30,000 to be split between six schools in New York and New Jersey as part of an essay-writing contest. Over 700 students submitted essays explaining why their school should receive $5,000. Jay-Z, who is a part owner of the New Jersey Nets, selected six winners and the following schools will receive $5,000 each: Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development in Brooklyn, New York; P.S. 89 in The Bronx, New York; Liberty High School in Jersey City, New Jersey; Phifer Middle School in Pennsauken, New Jersey; Cedar Grove Memorial Middle School in Cedar Grove, New Jersey; and Health Professions & Human Services High School in Manhattan. Jay-Z and Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson launched the contest as part of a bet the two men entered during a game between the Nets and Bobcats on December 14th. The bet was to see which team would score 80 points first and when the Bobcats hit the mark first, Jay-Z's wallet took a hit.

Jay-Z said, "It was great to see the students' school spirit in their essays. They showed they want a well-rounded education in a comfortable environment. I hope that these donations help them to achieve their goals."

In related news, Jay-Z will perform a special concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 25th in honor of the 10th anniversary of his platinum debut, Reasonable Doubt.