Charles Barkley Donates $1 Million to Miles College

On Jan. 6, 2020, for the first time in Miles College’s 122 years, the college received its single largest gift— $1 million—from a superstar with home town ties.

Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Fame athlete and philanthropist, was the donor of this large historic gift, made under the helm of President Bobbie Knight, interim president of UNCF-member institution Miles College and the first woman to lead the historic institution. In addition to his generous gift to the college, Barkley has also given of himself and time engaging students on Miles College campus.

Barkley has a history of philanthropic giving and support for HBCUs. His leadership gift to Miles will help establish the level of key gifts from others in the philanthropic community.

“It’s great that Mr. Barkley thinks enough of Miles College to donate a million dollars. This gift lays the foundation to launch our $100 million dollar comprehensive campaign,” said Knight.

“I’ve gotten to know Bobbie Knight over the last year, and it was something I really wanted to do,” said Barkley. “To have a female president is a big deal. I want to help Bobbie be as successful as she can be.”

In 2020-2021, Barkley plans to do economic development around the Birmingham and Leeds, AL, area, Barkley’s home town. Barkley also is  a majority owner of local business Redmont Distillery.

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