Michael Blackson, a Ghanaian-Liberian actor, philanthropist, and comedian has established a free school in Ghana.
On January 10, 2023 he celebrated the first day of the free school ‘Michael Blackson Academy’.
What a great first day of school at the Michael Blackson Academy. For more info https://t.co/1wKts3UJBu pic.twitter.com/nCWShjbhGW
— Michael Blackson (@MichaelBlackson) January 10, 2023
First Day Of School At Michael Blackson Academy šā¤ļøš¬š
Agona Nsaba#Blogger pic.twitter.com/4V3A1lh5Li
— #GenerationalThinker (@KobbyKyei_) January 10, 2023
Blackson said “What a great first day of school at the Michael Blackson Academy.
“Iām ready to talk about what it took to open up a free school and how Iāll be able to keep it going for years to come. However my time is valuable so if you would like to book an interview, it will be based on donation to the school. Contact my team [email protected].”
Tuition is waived for all students who choose to attend the school. Michael Blackson Academy is located in Agona Nsaba, his hometown.
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On January 3, 2023 Blackson attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and shared footage of the event on social media, which included a tour of the building, live performances, and more.
Today is the greatest day of my life because Iāve finally accomplished what I always wanted to do which is giving these kids a chance to be great. Greatness starts with education and foundational education shouldnāt come with financial barriers. pic.twitter.com/glw0dJVzXr
— Michael Blackson (@MichaelBlackson) January 4, 2023
Thanks for taking the trip to Agona Nsaba @KobbyKyei_ https://t.co/MEFzHP7Uxq
— Michael Blackson (@MichaelBlackson) January 3, 2023
The foundation was founded in response to the growing demand for services such as high-quality education, research and development, and expanded opportunities.
The Micheal Blackson Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps children overcome obstacles by providing them with quality education so that they can understand their rights and make informed decisions about their future.
According to the foundation’s site, “The Michael Blackson Foundation is committed to making quality education accessible to all children, regardless of socioeconomic background.
“In poverty-stricken areas, many children do not have the opportunity to receive a quality education, which can profoundly impact their future.
“The foundation provides scholarships to children in need, helping them receive quality education and have the opportunity to succeed in life.”
While setting up his school, Blackson often asked for opinions from his followers via social media.
Blackson had tweeted on December 22, 2023 “I thought I could just build them a school and be done smh. No one told me I had to furnish the school, hire teachers, principals, get a bus, buy computers, get a library, feed them and put uniforms on them every year lol. HELP HELP HELP HELP..”
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He also said “Finally itās all done and the kids in my village will all go to school for free. Thanks to all my fans that supported me thru out the years, every ticket you bought to my show helped a kid.”
Finally itās all done and the kids in my village will all go to school for free. Thanks to all my fans that supported me thru out the years, every ticket you bought to my show helped a kid. https://t.co/ue86VUAFiU pic.twitter.com/rnt0SsdmCZ
— Michael Blackson (@MichaelBlackson) December 18, 2022
Citizenship
The Herald reports that the comedian became a citizen of the United States of America.
Blackson was born in Ghana and moved to New Jersey with his family when he was 13 years old. He rose to prominence after appearing in the 2000 film Next Friday, which was followed by roles in a slew of other films and TV shows, including Coming 2 America, 30 Rock, and Are We There Yet?
While reflecting on his citizenship, Blackson said “āIt [America] made me this bigger, better person that would help the world. America has been nothing but a blessing to me, and Iām happy to be a citizen,ā he said.
āJust like everybody else that comes to America, they come here for this American Dream, and I really am living the American Dream.ā