HU Wins Grant from Home Depot's Retool Your School Contest

Emancipation Oak

Hampton, VA - Hampton University won a $10,000 grant from Home Depot’s “Retool Your School”Contest.This grant will be used to renovate the iron gating and new landscaping around the Emancipation Oak. This competition involved 57 Historically Black Institutions.HU was one of 10 institutions to receive the $10,000 minor grant.

“Hampton University is excited that Home Depot offered us the $10,000 grant.I knew that Hamptonians would rally together and vote for the cause,” said Harriet Davis, assistant vice president for development.“I am proud of the student, faculty, staff and friends of Hampton University for supporting Hampton during this competition.Now we have the opportunity to restore one of our National Historical Landmarks on campus, the Emancipation Oak.”

The Emancipation Oak is a lasting symbol of the university’s rich heritage and perseverance.In 1863, the members of the Virginia Peninsula’s black community gathered to hear the reading of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.Today this magnificent tree stands proudly, with limbs sprawling over 100 feet in diameter.The Emancipation Oak is designated as one of the 10 Great Trees of World by the National Geographic Society.  

Home Depot has a long-standing history of support within the African American community. The Home Depot launched the “Retool Your School” grant program to provide improvements to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. As part of this unique program, The Home Depot will make a donation equal to five percent of the face value of three new commemorative HBCU gift cards, up to $150,000, for grants for on-campus improvement projects.

“Helping communities thrive by creating access to safe and vibrant environments is one of our core objectives at The Home Depot,” explains Melissa Brown, multicultural marketing manager, The Home Depot. “Our Retool Your School Program provides The Home Depot with the opportunity to help enhance the lives of HBCU students at these winnings schools by improving their environments.”

The winner of the Retool Your School major grant of $50,000 is Elizabeth City State University. The other winners of the minor grants are Bluefield State College, Howard University, Florida A&M University, Fisk University, Mississippi Valley State University, Morgan State University, Tuskegee University, Virginia Union University, and Wilberforce University.