T.I. is honoring his sister Antoinette “Precious” Harris Chapman by launching a scholarship in her name called the Precious Chapman Scholarship Fund.
The rapper teamed up with the United Negro College Fund for the scholarship, as well as VH1, and he made the announcement on the network’s televised event “Dear Mama: A Love Letter to Mom,” which aired on Monday.
During the presentation, the Atlanta rapper explained what Harris meant to him, especially in his formative years, and what type of person she was.
“A pivotal part of my development, an incredible lady,” said Tip to the audience in Los Angeles audience as his wife Tiny looked on. “My sister Precious was a single mother who worked to make life better for her children and everyone she encountered.”
The scholarship is for $25,000, and this year’s recipient is Tierani Scott, a single mother from Little Rock, Arkansas, who maintains a 3.0 grade point average at Philander Smith College, where she’s a junior.
She’s also president of her junior class and founder of the Queen Women’s Empowerment Organization, which Tip explained to the audience.
Scott was among those in the crowd. T.I. said the purpose of the scholarship is so Scott can continue down her path of success and have some financial assistance along the way.
Harris tragically passed away on Feb. 22, nine days after her vehicle hit a utility pole in Atlanta. She reportedly had an asthma attack behind the wheel and passed out moments before the crash.
Her daughter Kairi Chapman was also in the car but was released after being checked by paramedics.
You can see T.I. talk about his sister and present the scholarship to Scott below.
Dear Mama