Gloria Carter is best known as the mother of Jay-Z, one of the world’s most acclaimed rap artists and entrepreneurs. As Jay-Z’s inspiration and support system within their family and community, Gloria Carter has also been an advocate for social justice initiatives. Here are some facts about Gloria Carter and her life story.
Early Life and Family
- Gloria Carter was born in Brooklyn, New York.
- At 19, she married Adnis Reeves and gave birth to four children – two sons, Eric and Shawn (Jay-Z), as well as two daughters Michelle and Andrea.
- She worked as a clerk in an investment firm, supplementing her income by taking on additional security guard work to supplement her paycheque.
- After Reeves abandoned his family when Jay-Z was 11 years old, she successfully raised them alone.
- She struggled to provide for them in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn where they lived in public housing complex.
- She knew Jay-Z was selling crack cocaine as a teenager, yet chose to ignore it because this practice was commonplace in their environment.
- She hoped that his passion for music could provide him with a path out of poverty.
Relationship with Jay-Z
- Gloria Carter has always been supportive of Jay-Z and encouraged him to follow his dreams.
- She gave him a boom box as a present when he was still young, and encouraged his musical pursuits.
- She was the first person to listen to Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, released in 1996.
- She was so proud of his success and relieved he had managed to escape from the drug trade and violence which plagued their neighborhood.
- Jay-Z encouraged her to retire after becoming successful and wealthy; he wanted her to enjoy life without worrying about work anymore.
- He relocated her from Brooklyn and purchased her a mansion in New Jersey.
- She collaborated with Jay-Z on his song, “Smile”, featured on his 2017 album 4:44.
- In her song, she revealed her sexuality as lesbian and that she had been hiding it most of her life. When she revealed this truth to Jay-Z he wept and accepted her with unconditional acceptance.
- At the conclusion of her song, she also read a poem which expressed her joy and freedom.
- She attended Jay-Z’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, where he expressed his appreciation for being such a major source of motivation and influence in his life. At that event he thanked her profusely.
Philanthropy and Social Justice
- Gloria Carter serves as president of the Shawn Carter Foundation, established with Jay-Z in 2003.
- The Foundation is a public charity established to assist individuals who face socioeconomic difficulties further their education at postsecondary institutions.
- The foundation offers scholarships, mentoring programs, career development support services and other assistance for students from low-income backgrounds.
- She is also involved with various charitable causes, such as fighting HIV/AIDS, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, empowering women, and advocating for racial equality.
- She has received multiple accolades for her charitable efforts, such as the GLAAD Special Recognition Award in 2018 and the Humanitarian Award from the National Council for Research on Women in 2014.
- She is an advocate for mental health awareness and wellness. She has shared her own experiences of depression and anxiety and how they were overcome through therapy, meditation, and spiritual practices.
- She advises others to seek assistance when needed and engage in self-care practices.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q: When was Gloria Carter born?
A: Gloria Carter was born on September 5, 1965.
Q: Gloria Carter has five children.
A: Gloria Carter has four children: two sons – Eric and Shawn (Jay-Z), as well as Michelle and Andrea -and two daughters, Michelle and Andrea.
Q: What is Gloria Carter’s occupation? A:
A: Gloria Carter is president of the Shawn Carter Foundation, co-founded with Jay-Z in 2003. Additionally, she serves as both a philanthropist and social justice activist.
Q: Gloria Carter has not disclosed her sexuality.
Gloria Carter is a lesbian who first came out publicly through Jay-Z’s song, “Smile”, in 2017.
Q: What have been Gloria Carter’s achievements? A:
A: Gloria Carter has accomplished many notable things. Here are a few:
Raising four children alone after her husband abandoned the family, and supporting Jay-Z in his music career (collaborating on “Smile”) whilst also co-founding the Shawn Carter Foundation to assist low-income students pursue higher education.Receiving numerous awards and honors for her philanthropy and social justice work, including the GLAAD Special Recognition Award and Humanitarian Award from the National Council for Research on Women; being an advocate for mental health awareness and wellness initiatives;
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