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Diddy took Howard University students by surprise on Friday as he showed up to the school for its annual homecoming weekend celebrations.

Diddy fulfills $1M donation pledge to alma mater Howard University as he surprises students for homecoming By Ashleigh Gray For Dailymail.Com Published: 04:39, 21 October 2023 | Updated: 04:39, 21 October 2023 e-mail View comments Diddy took Howard University students by surprise on Friday as he showed up to the school for its annual homecoming weekend celebrations. The 53-year-old mogul — who celebrated his daughter's first birthday recently — donned a black outfit topped with a leather jacket. He was all smiles as he took the stage during the school's Yardfest event and presented a one million dollar check to school president Dr. Ben Vinson III. Topping off his visit, the hip-hop phenom performed his hits It’s All About the Benjamins, I Need a Girl (Pt. 1), and Act Bad. Diddy, born Sean Combs, declared, 'As someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges, it remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy,' per Revolt . Shocker: Diddy took Howard University students by surprise on Friday as he showed up to the school for its annual homecoming weekend celebrations Donation: He was all smiles as he took the stage during the school's Yardfest event and presented a one million dollar check to school president Dr. Ben Vinson III Homecoming: He was all smiles as he posed with a group of students on campus He emphasized, 'This donation to Howard is not just a financial contribution; it’s also a reaffirmation of our commitment to a cultural institution that has touched countless lives. It’s about ensuring that HBCUs continue to receive the support they rightfully deserve.' Combs was active on social media Friday as he shared photos from the fun day in Washington DC. Engaging his 20 million followers, he captioned one post, '@HOWARD1867 I’M HOME!! HU, YOU KNOW!!' In a second post he elaborated, writing, 'HBCUs are something that we have to protect! 'They gave birth to me, my resiliency & let me understand my Black excellence! HBCUs introduced me to people all over the world.' 'We have to keep coming home, sowing our seed & investing in all HBCUs!! Love to my alma mater @Howard1867!!' he added. The hitmaker signed off with his new moniker, 'LOVE,' adding black heart, stars, and prayer hands emoji. The New York-bred entrepreneur also included various video clips from the visit in his Instagram Stories. Statement: Diddy, born Sean Combs, declared, 'As someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges, it remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy' Stage presence: Topping off his visit, the hip-hop phenom performed his hits It’s All About the Benjamins, I Need a Girl (Pt. 1), and Act Bad Wonderful: Diddy posed with Jae Murphy at the packed out event Giant: Diddy commanded attention as he took the stage in Washington DC Dr. Vinson expressed his gratitude for the generous donation as he said, 'This is such a tremendously meaningful gift to Howard University, and we are deeply grateful. 'Since his days here as a student, Sean Combs has always credited Howard for helping him become the groundbreaking entertainer and entrepreneur that he has become. 'His gift will have a profound impact on our students, paving the way for future leaders.' It comes after the Sean John designer announced a $1 million investment fund at Atlanta’s Invest Fest earlier this year. He also delivered on a promise to donate $1 million to Jackson State University’s football team. He had pledged to pour into both Howard and Jackson State last year as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 BET Awards. Joyous: The pupils were over the moon to be in the presence of a living legend Selfies: Beaming students smiled for selfies with the music mogul Guests: Diddy was joined onstage by rappers Kalan.FrFr and Jozzy Elsewhere in his life, Diddy has been busy promoting his fifth LP, The Love Album: Off The Grid, which came out September 15. The Closer to God star has four children — adopted son Quincy Brown, 32; son 'King' Christian Combs, 25; and twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila Combs, 16 — with Kim Porter, who passed away in 2018. He is also father to 29-year-old son Justin Combs with stylist Misa Hylton. And he shares 17-year-old daughter Chance Combs with Sarah Chapman. Love, his youngest child, was born last year and he shares the little girl with cybersecurity professional Dana Tran. Washington DC Diddy Share or comment on this article: Diddy fulfills $1M donation pledge to alma mater Howard University as he surprises students for homecoming e-mail Add comment Read more