Washington, DC, Sept. 10, 2024 – UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today joins the world in mourning the loss of esteemed actor James Earl Jones.
A prominent figure in the arts for decades, we have fond memories of his booming voice that burned the iconic UNCF motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”® into the hearts and minds of so many Americans for decades. Because of his distinguishable voice and remarkable ability to inspire audiences across generations, UNCF’s awareness grew into a national brand.
“The news of James Earl Jones’s passing is heartbreaking for all of us,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “He used his gifted voice to help us launch the public service advertising campaign that made ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste’® a global slogan and raised billions of dollars to support Black students and HBCUs. He helped ensure that, today, UNCF is an enduring American institution. UNCF will forever be indebted to James Earl Jones, and we will always remember his extraordinary contribution to our mission.”
