To expand its work, the foundation needs to broaden its donor base, especially as MTV and VH1 — and their parent company Viacom, and now, Paramount — continue their pivot away from music.

“Music education is not just an art; it's a science," said Sykes. “While it is a wonderful way to express your creativity, it is actually teaching you math. In the early days with ...

“Music education is not just an art; it’s a science,” said Sykes. “While it is a wonderful way to express your creativity, it is actually teaching you math. In the early days with VH1, we actually ...

D. M. Therrell High School student Ja'Marion Hulin, 17, who runs the school's record company, Panther Records, poses for a photograph Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) ...