Spelman's Arts Center Named For Sam Jackson And Wife
Spelman College’s Newly Renovated Performing Arts Center Named For Samuel L. Jackson And LaTanya Richardson Jackson
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Samuel L. Jackson isn’t just a famous actor who has appeared in more films than your favorite actor’s favorite actor (unless that actor is Sam, of course). The Pulp Fiction star and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, are also HBCU grads who put their money where their mouths are when it comes to propping up their alma maters, among their many other acts of generosity. That’s why Spelman College — the school Richardson attended while her husband was right across the way at Morehouse — has opened its newly renovated Performing Arts Center and named it for the Jacksons.
The center, which opened on Oct. 24, according to Variety, has been renamed the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center.
“Sam and I are continually invested in the success of Spelman College because Spelman first invested so much in us,” Richardson said during the ceremony of the center’s opening. “Everything I know, all of my beginnings were in this building. It is an honor for us to help support the school’s vital mission, and to ensure that it continues to serve as a space of inspiration and training for the next generation of leaders. May the unveiling of this glorious mural be an inspiration to the beautiful artists past, present and future who walk these halls.”
Spelman College Interim President Rosalind Brewer also shared her sentiments regarding the honor.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to alumna LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson for their unwavering commitment and passionate support of the arts at Spelman,” Brewer said in a press release. “LaTanya and Samuel’s love story began on stage at Spelman, and their remarkable careers serve as a beacon of inspiration. It is only fitting that their journey is honored with a lasting tribute in the very place where it all began.”
Jackson and Richardson were honored largely due to their contributions to the institution over the years. This includes their recent donation of $5 million each to renovate the Rockefeller Fine Arts Building, the largest donation made by alumni in Spelman’s history. The couple made the donations after helping to raise $17.3 million for the renovations.
Shout out to Samuel L. and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. This is a well-deserved honor. Salute!
