Originally published: October 31, 2022
WPXI
PITTSBURGH — Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott donated $6 million to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the largest single contribution in the Pittsburgh affiliate’s 104-year history.
“We’re honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team have recognized the Urban League’s value and impact to the community,” President and CEO Carlos T. Carter said. “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.”
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the local nonprofit civil rights and social services organization, will determine the most impactful use of the contribution as part of its strategic planning process, according to a news release from the organization.
The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is one of 25 Urban League affiliates around the nation who received similar donations from Scott, who in 2019 signed The Giving Pledge, a promise by the world’s wealthiest individuals to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. The gift will allow the organization to magnify the impact of its mission of enabling African Americans to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights, according to the release.
Scott is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.