USA/Jamaica | Paramount Pictures supports Social Justice with "Bob Marley:One Love scholarships"

WASHINGTON DC, February 16, 2024 - Paramount Pictures has partenered with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, to offer ten scholarships to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and pursuing degrees in social justice related programs.

This was announced by Executive Vice President for Global Public Policy and Government Relations for Paramount Pictures, Dede Lea, at a special screening of the BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE film at the Motion Pictures Association in Washington, on Tuesday February 13 attended by Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Ziggy Marley, And Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, among others.

Ms Lea said The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships are designed to honor Marley’s legacy as a cultural icon and his message of unity by supporting ten rising sophomore, junior, and senior students with $5,000 scholarships in pursuit of degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice related degree programs who are attending the  selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Lea pointed out that  the the ten scholarships that will be awarded to students attending Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.Applications are open April 1 through April 30, 2024. To apply, students can visit https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/.

At the special screening in Washington, Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke who, on February 9 introduced a bill in the United States House of Representatives, asking the Congress to recognize the life and legacy  of legendary reggae artist Robert ‘‘Bob’’ Nesta Marley, presented a copy of the resolution to Ziggy Marley, son of the Reggae Icon Bob Marley.

In presenting the resolution, she said Bob Marly was an activist for Change, an ambassador of culture, and an icon for love. “He taught us to live kinder and care deeper. His wisdom will guide my heart and so many others”.

She said this “musical genius was perfect in a lot of the things he shared with us and it remains an ammunition with us today. More than an exceptional movie, Bob Marley One Love represents a tremendous opportunity to introduce the profound story, timeless music, an incredible character and an Icon. She said this movie of Bob will bring about a Renaissance of Bob Marley’s music, not only in America but around the world.”

In her comments Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, said the sharing of Bob Marley’s story was long overdue! I am happy that the world will get an intimate look into Marley's life, exploring his upbringing in Jamaica and providing a better understanding of the man behind the music. 

She said the release of the movie honouring  Bob Marley was very timely as, with over 110 conflicts worldwide, Bob Marley’s message of justice, hope, fight for freedom and more importantly love is needed now, more than ever before.

Ambassador Marks thanked Paramount Pictures exedcutic Dede Lea and the team at Paramount, as well as the Marley Family, for making the film possible while, Ms Lea praised the efforts of  Ambassador Marks who played a vital role in getting the Jamaican shoot in the creation of BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE film.

 “We could not have done everything we did in Jamaica without her assistance. Ambassador Marks played a vital role in making it happen,” Ms Lea declared.  She also had high praises for the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and the Ministry of Finance and Industry and Commerce for their facilitation.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundagtion in a statement said: “The message of unity and love in the Bob Marley: One Love movie reinforces the resolve required to meet the generational challenges faced by diverse emerging leaders through a steadfast commitment to progress,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, CBCF President and CEO. “Developing future leaders is central to our mission of advancing the global Black community by preparing the next generation to lead in public service and policy development. We are proud to add the One Love Social Impact scholarship opportunity as another option to help relieve financial barriers to higher education for students of color.”

“Bob Marley’s commitment to creating a better world is the driving force behind his musical legacy,” said Marc Weinstock, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Paramount Pictures. “Empowering a new generation to take the reins on shaping that world is one way to honor the values that Bob embodied, and we are proud to partner with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to move that mission forward.” 

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