June 6th, 2012 
Up4Dsn 
It’s no secret that I love education and that it is one of my passions. I believe that unequal access to public education is a huge civil rights issue. I have studied education, I have spent my professional career working in education, and many hours volunteering to promote education. I’m most likely to peruse the education section of a major newspaper first…every day. I just wanted to put that out there.
I heard this news about Justin Combs, son of entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, being accepted to UCLA and awarded a full football scholarship. And people were MAD about it. And I couldn’t understand why.
This kid worked really hard at one of the top prep schools in the country, earning a 3.7 grade point average; and excelling as an athlete- earning scholarship offers to places like The University of Virginia and The University of Illinois. And we’re MAD about this? Hmmmm…
There are a few things that I find disturbing about this. I feel that the underlying implication of all of this conversation is that he didn’t EARN this scholarship. That he got it for who he is, or because of who he is related to. Interesting. The other thing that I find to be disturbing about this is these conversations that are saying that his father should donate the money back to the school, because he can so clearly afford to do so. While that may be the case, you can’t go around here telling people what to do with their money. It just doesn’t work that way.
And besides- we weren’t upset when Eli Manning was awarded a scholarship to Ole Miss, while both his father Archie Manning and his brother Peyton Manning were earning NFL money. I’m just saying.
If there’s anything we should be upset about, it’s the system of education in our country that makes it difficult for those who are not wealthy to achieve a decent education that places them anywhere close to the same education that Justin Combs was able to receive at his prep school. The truth of the matter is that people who are wealthy are able to afford resources that help their kids be in a better position to earn merit scholarships such as the one earned by Justin Combs.
I refuse to be upset at Diddy because he can afford to send his kids to the best schools, and he can provide them with resources and experiences that set them apart from other students. When I’m in the position to do the same for my kids, you better believe that I’m going to do my best to provide them with every opportunity necessary to help them be successful and to afford them as many opportunities possible.
Do I think that Diddy should donate money to UCLA? I think it would be a nice gesture, but he doesn’t have to do it. Besides, what would it prove; other than something that we already know, which is that he can afford to donate a large sum of money to UCLA.
Bottom line- I fail to understand the big deal in this kid earning a scholarship. Let’s focus our energy on education reform. When we can prove that UCLA or any other school is awarding merit scholarships to students who don’t meet the appropriate criteria, then we can be upset.
Just my thoughts.
Up 4 Discussion…
1) Do you believe there is ANYTHING wrong with Justin Combs receiving a full athletic scholarship to attend UCLA?
2) Do you think Diddy SHOULD donate money to UCLA?
Erin Davis is a talented, God fearing woman and educator who longs to help people live the best life possible through her writing and charitable contributions.
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This whole statement: "If there’s anything we should be upset about, it’s the system of education in our country that makes it difficult for those who are not wealthy to achieve a decent education that places them anywhere close to the same education that Justin Combs was able to receive at his prep school."
ABSOLUTELY! There is no reason why anyone should be mad at Justin for earning his way to school on his own merits. I could care less who his father is – and be clear, I don't like Diddy at all – but the fact of the matter is Justin should be rewarded for HIS HARD WORK. NO ONE should be mad or say that Diddy should give the money back. This is Justin' doin' his. Let him have it and STFU.
Good post Erin! I think we should commend Justin Combs for his academic and athletic excellence. Justin could easily just float along in life because his father is a gazillionaire which means he will never have to want for anything material. Instead this young man chose to work hard in the classroom and on the field, so why shouldn't he be rewarded with a scholarship? The scholarship is for JUSTIN not DIDDY, or Puffy, or whatever his name is this week. You made an excellent point about what we all should really be upset about which is the unequal access to educational resources that wealthy people have over the working class.__It would be nice if Diddy donated the money to UCLA, but IMO, if he's going to donate anything he should start a scholarship fund for economically disadvantaged students to attend the prep school that Justin went to. Then he could set up a few other kids to succeed the same way he set up his son.
Rich White kids get Legacy admissions and scholarships all the time and no one says a word about it except for giving accolades. This is about Diddy being a wealthy Black man and some Whites being resentful of that.
Nice post.
I agree…who cares. How do anyone know he didn't earn that on his own. People need to mind their business and concern themselves with bettering their lives.
Great Post!!
My recent post We Need A Resolution
I agree with the previous comments. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with classmates from some of the wealthiest families in the country. No one was upset, outraged or demanding that their parents donate or repay money that they received from scholarships for art, music, academics or whatever. Our culture is consumed with spending until we don't even think about saving or investing. The money that Diddy isn't spending on his son's education could be money that he is reinvesting in his business which could create more jobs in this economy.
My recent post [VIDEO] Trial Sermon: It’s Time for a Change
Good read, Erin.
The only problem I had with Justin Combs being awarded a scholarship to UCLA resided with those who have a problem. Yes, his dad can afford the expenses and the scholarship would probably be of more usage to under-privileged youth. But those facts are besides the point seeing as how Justin EARNED the scholarship, which is basically what most people criticize young black males for, nowadays. The notion that black youth is lazy and wants everything to come easy or free. So when that actually occurs, there's still a problem?
Also, good point concerning Peyton Manning.
We live in a society in which there are double-standards and problems with access to higher education for individuals without unlimited resources. I believe that scholarships and grants academic or athletic should be reserved for those that have limited access and resources. I congratulate Justin Combs along with all the other rich children Black or White who have financial guarantees, yet apply themselves, but my problem is when the rich take funds from the limited pool of resources that are available to those without the same or equal opportunities. So, you must know that my next statement is that his parents should return the monies to UCLA in a charitable donation. I do not care if Peyton Manning or any other White person continues to do wrong, us doing it does not make it right. Until we stop letting others define our integrity, we will be always seeking the gifts and losing ourselves in the process. Keep striving for truth.