We’re keeping the torch ablaze for Black History Month! Here’s a brief list of some of the most prominent African-American figures who love giving back.
PHOTOS: Black History: Afro-Latino Figures
A Hip-hop community icon and entrepreneur, Simmons co-founded of Rush Philanthopic Arts Foundations: Provides disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts; offers exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color.
Co-founder of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN): Harnesses the cultural relevance of Hip-Hop music as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the well being of at-risk youth throughout the United States.
Additionally, Simmons has been active in racial and religious reconciliation through the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, a foundation co-chaired by Rabbi Marc Schneier. He continued to break boundaries as he extended his social activism to include the plight of animals and the state of the environment. Simmons, a vegan, joined efforts with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
And further, Simmons is a long time supporter of equal rights for all who spoke at Los Angeles’ 2010 Gay Pride Rally where he pledged to stay the course with his friends in the LGBT community until marriage equality was a right enjoyed by all.
Devoted AIDS Activist. Co-founder and global ambassador of Keep A Child Alive: An organization dedicated to providing AIDS treatment, care, nutrition, support services and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, India, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
As a dedicated Global Ambassador for KCA, Alicia’s work includes well-known media initiatives, such as the “Spirit of a Child” campaign, the controversial “Drug Dealer” campaign and the star-studded “I am African” campaign, spearheaded by Iman and featuring David Bowie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Richard Gere, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lenny Kravitz, and many other top artists.
Appointed Haiti’s Goodwill Ambassador, Wyclef is dedicated to tending to the plight of his home country. Jean has coordinated immense efforts to encourage the United Nations to raise over 100 million dollars for the country’s hurricane relief, while also raising charitable donations through his own organization Yele Haiti in support of the country’s earthquake relief efforts.
Is a faithful servant to an array of organizations and causes. She was appointed spokesperson for Secret to Self Esteem from 1998 to 2001.In 2005, Mýa founded TMATF: The Mýa Arts & Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts & technology education. There, she serves as both executive director and teacher. Additionally, Mýa is an advocate of breast cancer; In 2006 and 2007 she collaborated with the Lifetime Television Network in the Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign, recording “My Bra” a song sold on iTunes donating 100% of proceeds to breast cancer research. And In 2007, Mýa was also the internationally featured artist in Heatherette’s Fashion Show to fight Global AIDS.
Bill and Camille have time and time again proven their dedication to education through their charitable giving. Atlanta Post reports that the Cosby’s donated $20 million as gift to Spellman college—one of the largest ever given to a historically black college. In addition to that, they also donated $1.3 million to Fisk University and founded the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation (named after their deceased son) to support children with learning differences.
She has long been a prominent supporter and activist in the humanitarian perspective. Through her private charity, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Winfrey has awarded hundreds of grants to an array of organizations that support the education and empowerment of women, children and families in both the United States and around the world. Amid her various philanthropic contributions, she’s donated millions of dollars toward providing better education for students who have merit, but no means. Additionally, she created “The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program,” which provides scholarships to students determined to use their education to give back to their communities in America and abroad.
