Magic Johnson Pledges $500K Donation To HBCU Xavier University In Honor Of School’s First Black President, Norman C. Francis

Magic Johnson Pledges $500K To HBCU Xavier University In Honor Of School’s First Black President, Norman C. Francis

Magic Johnson is celebrating the legacy of civil rights leader and former longtime Xavier University President Norman C. Francis in a major way!

During a recent gala for the historically Black university, the retired NBA legend pledged $500,000 in honor of Francis’ profound contributions to the school.

Johnson said of the 94-year-old icon:

“I’m so blessed to know him,…The man that you are, all the great things you’ve done in your stellar career and all the people you’ve helped become successful.”

 

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In case you’re unfamiliar, Norman C. Francis made history in 1968 when he became the first Black president of Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU based in New Orleans. Francis’ legacy was recently celebrated in a formal ceremony, where he was recognized for decades of service that helped shape the university’s identity.

Under his leadership, Xavier earned top rankings for producing Black graduates in biology, life sciences, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy, and has consistently led the nation in the number of Black students admitted to medical school.

Big ups to Norman C. Francis for a lifetime of transformational work, and much respect to Magic Johnson for helping keep his legacy alive!

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