Diddy makes surprise visit to Bronx charter school he founded

Diddy delighted schoolchildren as he returned to the New York prep school he founded for a fun visit on Monday.

The music icon, 52, visited the Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School to speak with students at the start of the school year, and wowed the student body as he gave an inspirational speech to 160 children.

Following on from his quote on the cafeteria wall, which reads: ‘Don’t be afraid to close your eyes and dream, then open your eyes and see!’, the I’ll Be Missing You hitmaker told the children to always follow their dreams.

Legend: Diddy delighted schoolchildren as he returned to the New York prep school he founded for a fun visit on Monday

He said: ‘What this means is that you can dream of all the big things you want in the world, but you’re going to have to work to get it. Especially here in the Bronx, we know that nobody is going to give us nothing. 

‘We’re going to have to go get it. It’s a lot of sacrifice, a lot of discipline, and a lot of focus. Get locked in on your dream.’

The New York native also shared an emotional post to Instagram, which read: ‘You can dream of all the big things you want in the world, but you’re going to have to work to get it! 

‘When you hear about things going on in the hood, nobody gets to what’s the solution, for us the solution is a proper education!!

‘We’re making an impact on the community and that’s a dream come true!! 

Number one: The music icon, 52, visited the Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School to speak with students at the start of the school year, and wowed the student body as he gave an inspirational speech to 160 children

The star also took part in a Q&A with students before the cheerleading team surprised the star with a performance to his new Queens Remix for his hit single, Gotta Move On.

The star, real name Sean Combs. founded the Harlem charter school in 2016 in an effort to expand educational opportunities for young men and women in the community.

He pledged $1M to the Capital Preparatory Schools network in 2018 for the new location in the Bronx which opened in the Fall of 2020. 

The network of schools is overseen by educator and Combs’ co-founder, Dr. Steve Perry, and the principal of Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School is Isaiah Brown. Combs serves in an advisory and support capacity to the school.

Back in 2018 when announcing the new school in the Bronx, the star reflected on his own early years and the importance of having a good education.

Good to see you: The star was in demand as he shook hands with the kids

Wow: Diddy caused a sensation as he arrived at the school

Performance: The star also took part in a Q&A with students before the cheerleading team surprised the star with a performance to his new Queens Remix for his hit single, Gotta Move On

He said: ‘I know from my own experience that receiving a great education makes a huge impact on a child’s future. I want our kids to have access to everything they need to succeed, in school and life.

‘Which is why I’m also pledging $1,000,000 to help give our kids every advantage possible.’

 The Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down singer subsequently said in a statement that he ‘came from the same environment these kids live in every day’ and the schools are aimed at giving ‘historically disadvantaged students with the college and career skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice.’

Dream it: Diddy has previously spoken of the importance of a good education