Leadership Award presented at Awards Gala and Collaboration with G-Unity Foundation Announced
Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson received the NFTE Entrepreneurial Leadership Award at the NFTE Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards gala on May 1st in New York City. Jackson was recognized for his success in the music industry and his other endeavors. Most prominent is the G-Unity Foundation he launched in 2003 which supports programs fostering conscious capitalism and promoting social and leadership skills for youth nationwide.
The Awards coincided with the announcement of the collaboration between NFTE and the G-Unity Foundation. The two organizations have launched a joint BizCamp program in which NFTE course content will be combined with the G-Unity Business Lab program. In this new endeavor students will receive an immersive entrepreneurship experience.
“The G-Unity Foundation is well-aligned with NFTE in our efforts to foster inclusive and conscious capitalism by igniting the entrepreneurial mindset of youth in underserved communities,” said NFTE President & CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock. “Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s own story of determination will be sure to inspire our NFTE learners around the world.”
The Foundation’s collaboration with NFTE adds to its ongoing outreach in various communities. It partners with the Houston Independent School District to run the G-Unity Business Lab at six high schools. The after-school entrepreneurship program exposes students to core business values and practical business skills.
Also, Jackson has a professional sports partnership program in which the Foundation works with the respective charitable foundation arms of various sports teams that includes the Houston Rockets, the Houston Astros, the Sacramento Kings, the Washington Commanders, among others.
At the award presentation, Jackson spoke of the recognition being given, stating, “This award embodies everything that both NFTE and I are about, empowering the next generation of young people to get out there, work hard, take risks and pursue their dreams with steady determination.”
