Anheuser-Busch Donates ‘Great Kings and Queens of Africa’ Art Collection to UNCF to Educate and Inspire Generations to Come

Valued at more than $1 million, “The Great Kings and Queens of Africa” collection of paintings was commissioned by Anheuser-Busch in 1975. Today, the company announced it has donated the entire collection to UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the country’s largest and most effective minority education organization, which will distribute pieces from the collection to six UNCF member colleges and universities. Anheuser-Busch also donated 30 college scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, to student leaders from the six UNCF member HBCUs. The announcement was made as part of a leadership symposium hosted by Anheuser-Busch and UNCF.

“Anheuser-Busch believes in supporting educational opportunities, advancing cultural awareness and preserving the historic legacy rendered in the ‘Great Kings and Queens’ series,” said Vanessa Foster-Cooksey, senior director of Community Affairs at Anheuser-Busch. “We are proud to add to the art collections at prestigious university and college galleries to inspire future leaders.”

Since the collection was first created, “The Great Kings and Queens of Africa” has introduced and educated the public about African history. It has been exhibited in such prominent venues as the United Nations, Capitol Hill, the Martin Luther King Library and the Kennedy Center, and viewed by more than 43 million people. Now the collection will continue to educate generations to come as it hangs in university and college galleries across the country.