Former NBA Star Charles Barkley Donates $1M to Spelman College

Charles Barkley announced that he is donating $1 million to Spelman College.

And it’s not the first time the NBA analyst has made a huge contribution to a historically black college/university, it’s actually his sixth time being generous.

Barkley, 59, has personal ties to the women’s college located in Atlanta. His longtime friend and business partner John Hudson has a daughter, Jordyn, who goes to Spelman and the Hall of Famer said he’s witnessed the positive impact the school has had on Jordyn, who is an incoming sophomore set to serve as class president.

“John has been a great mentor, a great friend, and a great business partner,” Barkley said.

“I was ready to do another HBCU and with his daughter doing great things at Spelman, so I told him, ‘Why not there?'”

Apparently, giving back is something Barkley likes to do.

“People are aware of Charles from TNT and his NBA stardom, but I don’t think people are aware of how focused he is on philanthropy and entrepreneurism,” said Hudson.

Barkley’s friend told the outlet, “[Charles] knows how committed Jordyn is to Spelman and has seen how it has transformed her worldview,” his friend Hudson said.

“What can you say about someone who is so giving and charitable with their resources with all they’ve accomplished?”

Barkley previously donated to Alabama A&M Huntsville, Morehouse College, and Miles College in Birmingham, among others, PEOPLE reported.

“He has a special place in his heart for Black women; I’ve seen him invest in Black female-owned companies,” Hudson continued. “This is just another indication of Charles investing in something close to his heart.”