Writer, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donates $5.7 million to Louisville Urban League

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $5.7 million to the Louisville Urban League.

According to a news release from the Louisville Urban League, it's one of the largest gifts in the league's 102-year history.

"We're honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team have recognized the Urban League's value and impact on the community," said Sadiqa Reynolds, outgoing president and CEO of the league. "By placing racial equity and social justice at the forefront of her philanthropic mission, Ms. Scott is shining a much-needed spotlight on the nation's structural and institutional limitations and helping to build a stronger, more resilient society for everyone. And she is doing it in such a way, as to show her support of and respect for Black leadership."

Reynolds said the Louisville Urban League plans to use the money to continue the work they're already doing. Including, increase the number of black-owned businesses, and continue to help marginalized communities secure jobs, and housing. As well as improve equity gaps in education and healthcare.

"They're going to be able to do it next week, next year, you know, the next five years, and this is when you have a gift like this, it allows you the opportunity to plan for future," Reynolds said.

Reynolds said with a goal to help narrow the equity gap, Scott's donation helps continue the momentum the Urban League has gained the last several years.

"I think it's really amazing that Louisville is on the radar in this very national way," Reynolds said.

Louisville Urban League's partners, including Norton Healthcare shared their excitement for Scott's investment to the organization and across Louisville.

"Everybody is acting, and actually taking good actions, to hopefully transform it and make it so that, you know, there is no difference from one side of our community to the other," said Norton Healthcare President and CEO Russell Cox. "Once people see that that investment is in fact, good business, I think investors like McKenzie, Scott and others are going to want to be a part of investing in that change."

The Louisville Urban League is one of 25 national Urban League affiliates around the nation that received similar donations from Ms. Scott.

According to a report by the Lexington Herald Leader, the Lexington affiliate received $1 million from Scott.

Last week, Jefferson County Public Schools announced that the district had received $20 million from Scott. That donation -- also the largest gift from a single party in JCPS' history -- will be used to improve schools in Louisville's west end, according to JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio.

In 2020, Scott also made multi-million dollar donations to Louisville-based nonprofits. In December 2020, Scott donated $10 million to Goodwill of Kentucky and $20 million to Metro United Way.