T.I.'s close relationship with his sister Antoinette "Precious" Harris Chapman was well documented. As a result, the rapper has decided to keep the memory of his late sister alive by establishing a scholarship program to honor a woman who he says was "a pivotal part of [his] development."
On Wednesday, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Tip has teamed up with VH1 and the United Negro College Fund to launch the Precious Chapman Scholarship Fund. T.I. first revealed the initiative on Tuesday at VH1's "Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Mama" ceremony. Driven by his sister's scholastic achievements and life as a single mother, T.I. created the $25,000 fund to reward single mothers who are continuing their education while also uplifting their community.
"My sister Precious was a single mother, who worked to make life better for her children and everyone she encountered," T.I. said at VH1's annual Mother's Day celebration. "In the spirit of that, we are awarding a deserving student a scholarship in my sister’s name."
This year's winner was Tierani Scott. Not only is Scott a single mother, but she is also the president of the junior class at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas and founder of Queen Women’s Empowerment Organization.
As reported, Precious Harris Chapman passed away in February at the age of 66. Prior to her death, Harris was known to the public as T.I.'s loving big sister and staple on VH1's T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle reality show. In the wake of her passing, production on the new season of the show's spin of T.I. & Tiny: Friends and Family Hustle was halted to give the Harris family time to mourn their loved one.
