Charles Barkley, the NBA legend turned TNT analyst, is known for his outspoken spoken personality and love for the game of basketball. But off the court, Barkley has also made a name for himself as a generous philanthropist using his wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the world. The former Philadelphia 76ers player is best known for his charitable works in Africa, mainly helping disadvantaged youth and the cancer-stricken community. But now the All-Star’s philanthropic efforts have conquered new heights. Despite losing a significant amount recently, the 61-year-old has still fulfilled his promise. Let’s see how.

The story leads back to May. Two female students from St. Mary’s Academy, whose names were Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Johnson, did something extraordinary. Before they graduated from the academy, they had solved a 2000-year-old Pythagoras Theorem using trigonometry at a conference for the American Mathematical Society. This great feat was broadcast on the “60 Seconds” show on CBS.

The former 11x NBA All-Star was so impressed by this incredible show of mathematical prowess that he had promised to donate $1 million to the Academy to develop its infrastructure and programs. “This transformative gift will assist students as they excel and achieve whatever dream they create within the walls of St. Mary’s Academy,” said Pamela Rogers (St. Mary’s President) during a press conference. The 61-year-old recently fulfilled a part of his promise by donating the first part of the donation to the academy on Wednesday, which is $100,000.

This donation is like a boon to the Academy. In 2022, just after the intense lockdowns, St Mary had to cut 11 liberals arts major programs including English, History, and music. This was done as the school was going through a major financial crisis due to the low enrollment of students. This donation hopes to shed new light on the organization. However, there’s one more reason why this was such a unique donation.

After the NBA had removed all broadcasting rights from TNT, Barkley was the one who was there to save many employees from losing their jobs. Even though he was offered many offers ranging up to a top $100 million, he chose to stay with TNT, to show his loyalty and also because he didn’t want the company’s viewership to drop as it would have resulted in many losing their employment.

Barkley’s donation to St. Mary’s Academy is a heartwarming story that reminds us of the importance of compassion and generosity. It is a testament to the power of human kindness and the ability of one person to make a difference in the lives of others. However, did you know this wasn’t the only time the former All-Star had donated to educational institutions?

The educational institutions to which Charles Barkley had previously donated

The renowned NBA legend and philanthropist has a history of supporting educational institutions. He has generously donated to various colleges and universities, making significant contributions to their growth and development.

In 2016, the former All-Star donated $1 million to both Alabama A&M University and Clark Atlanta University. The following year, he helped Morehouse College in Georgia by donating $1 million. In 2020, he donated $1 million to both Miles College and Tuskegee University. This contribution provided much-needed financial aid and resources to help students continue their education during a challenging pandemic time.

Charles Barkley’s commitment to education is evident in his philanthropic endeavors. Through his generous contributions, he has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and helped to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to succeed.