Robert F. Smith Pays it Forward and Sets Example As He Covers Class of 2019's Student Loan Debts

      Courtesy: 11alive

In February of 2018 I first learned who Robert F. Smith was. I was freelancing and covering social media for PBS' premier of their "Pioneers" documentary series. The event emanated from The Harvard Club in Manhattan and was in tribute to Reginald F. Lewis who is recognized as the first Black billionaire in history. Robert F. Smith served as one of the key speakers of the evening. As he spoke, he certainly seemed like someone with a strong sense of self. He had a conscience that reached beyond his own surroundings. He got "it." He looks out, he encourages, and as of late, it's evident that he puts his money where his mouth is.

As someone who  worked along Reginald F. Lewis, there is just no shortage of business acumen and social awareness that Robert F. Smith possesses. On May 19th, 2019 Mr. Smith took a stand that will always be remembered and appreciated. He vowed to grant the graduating class of 2019 forgiveness of their student loans by paying it off himself. This tab is estimated to be in the neighborhood of 40 million dollars.

This is not a pedestrian act. As he put it, it's a challenge to pay it forward. As a seasoned millennial I know just as the rest of you do, the amount of strain student loan has taken on our generation. What Smith is doing here will absolutely boost the next generation. They will be able to get started on their lives a lot faster and put money into our economy a lot faster.

Having no student debt, especially at an undergraduate level I believe can serve as an impetus for more folks to pursue graduate education. I also believe you will see people settle down a little bit sooner and also become homeowners a bit younger. The student loan crisis is a hot button issue in today's world. A lot of the folks in prior generations believe that they made it through unscathed, so why can't we? They don't take into account the huge increase that has taken place in this world over the last 30 years. The idea of "I did it, so you need to too" isn't inherently wrong. But it has to always be applied within context and reason. If these current people in Congress recently graduated, I'm sure they would welcome some assistance. I at least believe this for the folks who came from middle or below middle class backgrounds.

                                                 Courtesy: Imgur

There  is a contingent of people that believe a feat like this is irrational or that it can't be done. The enormity if this gesture should not be understated. Here we have a Black billionaire, which is still a rarity in this world, volunteering to award graduates with the gift of loan forgiveness. No bunch of stipulations were added. This was simply the greatest assist we've seen in  years with respects to the great Steve Nash. One Black man is footing a 40 million dollar bill for a complete gradating class at a private school. Imagine how much other billionaires could assist with students leaving school with a clean slate.

The give back is the win win. My life's goal is to simply be in a position where I can put people in areas to succeed and be seen. None of us get anywhere without assists. I have been looked out for constantly throughout my life. I do the world a disservice to not look beyond myself as well. Allow me to also say that I understand the thinking of not seeking or depending on bail outs. I get that totally. We shouldn't expect any of it. But I disagree that this crisis isn't  as important as when banks were bailed out a number of years ago. This country perpetuates classism with the way they have never truly sought to improve how education is paid for. So in as much as I don't expect to e bailed out and Great Lakes gets my money monthly, I'm not going to be mad at anyone getting help. 

These Morehouse grads are deserving. They worked hard, and in a country that literally won't think twice about killing them, they get to enter this real world with the best pat on the back that one can give. I salute Robert F. Smith and other that share his sentiments. My hope is that this will inspire others to join together and continue to make this an issue worthy of addressing. Congratulations to the whole graduating class of 2019. Go get it!

These are my words and I make no apologies.