Kenya Barris

SOURCE OF WEALTH: TV Writer & Producer

FUNDING AREAS: Education

OVERVIEW: Kenya Barris does not appear to have a formal charitable vehicle as of yet. Philanthropy has focused on schools with which the family has a personal connection rather than targeted funding in this space, suggesting that the family only invests in personal causes.

BACKGROUND: Born in Inglewood, California, Kenya Barris  attended UCLA and later Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. Barris took a position as a writer’s assistant on the WB sitcom, “Sister/Sister”.  He went on to work on shows like “Soul Food” and  “Girlfriends.” Barris struck gold with "Blackish," and recently inked a $100 million Netflix deal.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION: Kenya Barris and his former wife Dr. Rainbow Barris donated $1 million to fund a scholarship at their mutual alma mater, Clark Atlanta University. The money funds the Kenya and Rainbow Barris Annual Scholarship Award, which will be split evenly to support mass media arts majors and students studying biology. Barris has also supported Harvard Westlake School and Notre Dame High School in the Los Angeles area.

LOOKING FORWARD: Only in his 40s and still very much engaged in business, Barris should be watched for greater giving down the line.

LINK: Kenya Barris Twitter