“It’s so important to give back, and it’s a blessing and an honor to be able to do that and help support the growth of HBCUs and prepare the current students with resources and an education to thrive after college,” explained Stewart. Stewart pointed out that the majority of the funds are earmarked for the communications department for scholarships and other departmental and student needs.

 

“I’m passionate about supporting the communications department,” added Stewart. “Not only did it teach me the curriculum of my major, but it also was the catalyst to lead me on my path in the entertainment industry. Believe it or not, what I learned still impacts my business daily.”

 

The music executive, real estate developer, tech investor and humanitarian who graduated from ASU in 2003 with a B.A. in communications, said from his childhood growing up in Atlanta to his college days at ASU, he always loved music, film/television, and the arts. 

 

“What I didn’t know during my time at ASU, I was becoming an entrepreneur,” shared Stewart. “Whether I was throwing parties or selling CDs on campus, everything was feeding my soul’s purpose and my entrepreneurial spirit even back then. It all came together and put a spotlight on my true talent all sparked by my love of the arts, communication, and music.”

 

Audrey Parks, Director of Development, Office of Institutional Advancement, said Alabama State University appreciates Stewart’s support for ASU students and his alma mater. 

 

“We are very proud of the wonderful example he is to our community and young people. He is the kind of individual we hope to nurture at Alabama State University,” said Parks. 

 

Stewart said he is committed to the advancement of HBCUs and pledged to continue to create avenues of opportunity for ASU scholars. 

 

“This isn’t the end of my support for Alabama State. This is just the beginning. I’m so grateful that I attended ASU. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, and I was groomed to become the man I am today,” Stewart concluded. “I learned valuable lessons inside and outside of the classroom which to this day still influence me as the leader, mentor and businessman I am today.”

More about Stewart 

 

Courtney Stewart leverages a 360-degree approach to all aspects of his business and philanthropy. By sharing a similar spirit and vision to the clients, projects, and causes he supports, the music executive, tech investor, real estate developer, and humanitarian maximizes opportunity for success from all angles. This ability to align and collaborate closely with artists cemented Stewart among the industry’s leaders recognized on Billboard’s prestigious “40 Under 40,” Variety’s 2018 and 2019 “Hitmakers” list, Billboard’s 2020 “Power List,” and ASUs 50 under 50 class. 

Stewart has also built an impressive career beyond the music industry. As an Atlanta native, he has invested in real estate throughout Atlanta to support revitalization. His development projects include dozens of multi-family homes, as well as The Network ATL, a premiere event space in the city. 

Additionally, he founded Right Hand Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides single mothers and children with free housing, educational programs, and resources that support long-term success and independent sustainability. His charitable outreach in Atlanta has been longstanding and has provided a wide range of support impacting hundreds of families across the metro area. 

As an entrepreneur, Stewart believes in the power of new ideas. In 2021, he partnered with startup accelerator Techstars Music. Along with its member companies, Techstars Music commits capital for underrepresented tech founders and is committed to 50% of program CEOs being diverse with a particular focus on Black, LGBTQ, and female founders. As a Techstars Music partner, Stewart helps foster innovation and advance ideas that promote positive social and economic change for communities around the world. 

Courtney Stewart is a music industry, business, and community leader with a passion for connecting culture and community to drive success. “Success comes from sharing a common vision and goal,” he explains. “When I align with a client or a charity, we’ve got to be in sync and share the same passion and drive. When those two things come together, greatness is inevitable.”