The McMillan-Stewart Foundation’s Transformative $300,000 Gift to Texas Southern University Honors Legacy of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland
By Francis Page, Jr.
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September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s proudest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is entering a bold new chapter thanks to a transformative $300,000 investment from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation. This gift, matched dollar-for-dollar by TSU’s Office of Civil Rights Scholarship Matching Fund, establishes a $600,000 endowment that will provide scholarships for generations of students at the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. This historic endowment represents more than financial support—it is a vote of confidence in the leadership pipeline cultivated on TSU’s campus. By anchoring resources in the school that bears the names of two of America’s most distinguished public servants—Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland—this investment ensures their legacies of justice, equity, and service to humanity continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
A Legacy of Philanthropy Meets a Legacy of Leadership “This generous gift from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation reflects the power of philanthropy to create lasting change,” said Charlie Coleman, III, TSU’s Senior Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement. “We believe the next great political leaders of this generation are being taught right here at Texas Southern University, and this endowment affirms that promise.” The foundation, born from the vision of Geneviève McMillan and in honor of her friend, artist Reba Stewart, has spent nearly 25 years advancing civil rights, human dignity, and cultural understanding. Today, by choosing TSU, the foundation strengthens an institution that has produced barrier-breaking icons like Barbara Jordan—the first African American woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives—and Mickey Leland, a champion for global humanitarianism whose legacy continues to inspire.
More Than Scholarships: Building Leaders for a Just Future For TSU students, this endowment is more than a scholarship fund—it is a pathway to opportunity. Undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and embody the spirit of public service will be supported in their quest to become change-makers. Kibebe Gizaw, President of the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, emphasized: “Geneviève McMillan believed the arts and education unlock understanding of our shared humanity. By investing in Texas Southern University, we prepare the next generation of leaders who will embody equality, justice, and service for all.” The scholarship will be awarded by a TSU selection committee, requiring full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Why It Matters for Houston and Beyond TSU’s Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs is not just a Houston treasure—it is a national incubator for civic leadership. The school produces graduates who lead city governments, influence public policy, and advocate for communities often left out of decision-making. With this endowment, TSU strengthens its role as an engine of equity and access. Students who might otherwise struggle financially will be empowered to focus on what matters most: learning, leading, and living up to the legacies of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland.
How You Can Join This Legacy The McMillan-Stewart Foundation has set the bar high, but sustaining this mission requires community involvement. Houstonians and TSU alumni are invited to contribute to the endowment and join this movement for educational equity. For more information, contact TSU’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at advancement@tsu.edu or visit tsu.edu/give. ✨ Houston Style Magazine salutes the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, Texas Southern University, and all those who carry the torch of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. This investment in education is an investment in democracy, justice, and the leaders of tomorrow. ✨
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