Linda Johnson Rice Gives Donation to USC Media Center

Linda Johnson Rice Gives Donation to USC Media Center

Per the Chicago Tribune:

Johnson Publishing pledges $2.5 million to U. of Southern California's media center
By James P. Miller | Tribune staff reporter
5:34 PM CDT, August 23, 2007

The University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication disclosed Thursday that Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co. has pledged $2.5 million to fund a program on African-American issues in the media at the school.

The Johnson Communication Leadership Center will be the home of a new undergraduate scholarship program, which will be the first at USC to focus on the specific interests of the African-American community, the Los Angeles-based university said.

The center was established by Linda Johnson Rice, president and chief executive of Johnson Publishing, which publishes Ebony and Jet magazines.

The Johnson Center will fund scholarships to students who demonstrate "a strong interest and involvement in issues related to African-Americans in the world of journalism and communication," USC's Annenberg School said.

In addition, the center will provide seminars that will expose students to journalism-industry leaders, help students establish mentor relationships with experienced journalists, fund travel to meet media and policy leaders and create internships.

Initial scholarships have already been granted for two Annenberg students, the school said.

"We are deeply grateful for the vision and generosity of Linda Johnson rice in creating this pioneering center,' said Ernest J. Wilson III, dean of the USC Annenberg School.

It's always good to see folks who have plenty reach back to help those who just need a hand up, and not a handout. And, considering the dearth of representation of Black folk in the media, this donation and its purpose is very welcome.