Dreaming Through Education · Est. 1997
"Sky Is The Limit And You Know That You Can Have What You Want, Be What You Want"
— The Notorious B.I.G.
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— The Notorious B.I.G.
The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation was founded in 1997 by Ms. Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late Christopher Wallace, a.k.a The Notorious B.I.G. The purpose of the foundation is to serve as a vehicle for giving back to the community.
As a non-profit organization, its primary focus is education — through scholarships, grants, mentorship programs, tutoring, books, computers and enrichment programming. The organization's aim is to create programming that continues to uplift our communities and allow our children to realize that "The Sky Is The Limit."
"I wanted to create something that would honor my son's memory and give back to the community that raised him."
Ms. Voletta Wallace, a Jamaican-born educator and mother of Christopher Wallace — the iconic rapper known worldwide as The Notorious B.I.G. — founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation in 1997, following the tragic loss of her son.
A retired pre-school teacher with a deep commitment to education, Ms. Wallace channeled her grief into purpose: building a foundation dedicated to empowering youth through literacy, scholarships, and enrichment programs. For her, B.I.G. means "Books Instead of Guns."
Under her leadership, the foundation has distributed thousands of books, funded scholarships for students from Brooklyn to Jamaica, partnered with the Jordan Brand and Brooklyn Nets, and created community enrichment programs that honor Christopher's legacy by investing in the next generation.
A landmark partnership bringing together the Jordan Brand and the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, raising significant funds for education and community programs.
Just blocks from where Christopher Wallace grew up, a ribbon cutting at Crispus Attucks playground in Bed-Stuy renamed the basketball courts in his honor.
Ms. Wallace holds an Annual Lobster & Shrimp Fest to uplift the community through its seniors — partnering with organizations to create impact.
Education programming that gets resources to students — including First Hill All Age School in Jackson Town, Trelawney, Jamaica.
"Spread Love, The Brooklyn Way"
Donate to our B.I.G. Campaign, where B.I.G. stands for Books Instead of Guns.
Contribute to our library, scholarships and resource centers through a tax-deductible donation.
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Every donation helps us put books in the hands of children, fund scholarships, and strengthen communities — the Brooklyn way.