The North Carolina Central Creators Fund
The North Carolina Central Creators Fund
The North Carolina Central Creators Fund honors NCCU’s legacy of cultural giants while empowering today’s visionaries and fueling tomorrow’s legends. Rooted in the artistry, innovation, and leadership of our past, it champions the next generation of creators ready to shape the future of culture.
Celebrating The Visionaries Before Us, Empowering The Visionaries To Come.
Some legacies are born in classrooms, others in quiet moments of inspiration—and some at the crossroads of both. The North Carolina Central Creators Fund grew from my belief, shared with my fellow NCCU alumni Pierre Davis and DeAndres Royal, that creativity, when nurtured, can change the world.
Through my journey with LifE KiT Lifestyle Co., I’ve seen how art, design, music, storytelling, and entrepreneurial vision can challenge norms, shift culture, and open doors for others. I’ve also seen too many gifted students held back—not by a lack of talent or ambition—but by a lack of resources.
This fund is my answer to that challenge. Built in partnership with North Carolina Central University, it’s designed to champion students who dare to dream audaciously—those pursuing creative disciplines with the courage to turn ideas into ventures, art into movements, and personal passion into lasting social impact.
But this is also about honoring a lineage—a creative bloodline that runs deep in NCCU’s history. It’s about standing on the shoulders of visionaries like André Leon Talley, Wouri Vice, Posh McKoy, Lyric Harris, and Columbus S. Hinson IV. It’s about carrying forward the rhythm, innovation, and artistry of music legends like 9th Wonder (Patrick Douthit), Gregory Porter, Houston Person, Kim Burrell, Grady Tate, Mavis Poole, and Sherise Malachi. It’s about the lasting imagery and storytelling of visual greats like Ernie Barnes, Stephen Hayes, Tobias Rose, and Brenda Faison.
The Creators Fund is my commitment to connect the past, present, and future. It’s a bridge—from the giants who made NCCU a cultural force, to the students creating right now, to the future alumni who will take our legacy further than we can imagine.
Recipients will be chosen for more than just their grades. They’ll be selected for their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and a clear vision for how their creativity can spark change in the world. Whether it’s a student designing the next fashion movement, producing music that defines a generation, or building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices, this fund is here to fuel their journey.
This is more than a scholarship—it’s my belief that the next great wave of culture will rise from NCCU’s halls, powered by young minds who see possibility where others see limits. It’s my promise to stand behind them as they create, disrupt, and leave their mark on history.