The Top Ten Black Celebrity Philanthropists of All Time

.5 million dollars!

Tom Joyner

The “hardest working man in radio” is also the hardest working man for HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities)! Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million dollars to provide financial assistance for students attending historically black colleges and universities. The foundation also supports a variety of initiatives for HBCUs such as HIV/AIDS peer educator programs, and increasing the number of certified instructors at the schools. So party with a purpose this May by sailing with Tom Joyner and friends on a “Fantastic Voyage!”

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, the first African American major league baseball player of the modern era, has left a legacy of philanthropy through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The organization was founded by his widow Rachel Robinson in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements. In 2003, the organization reached a milestone — $10 million dollars in scholarship aid for minority students, and last year alone $4 million dollars was provided in scholarship assistance and program support. Plans are now underway to build a Jackie Robinson museum in collaboration with NIKE.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry made headlines last year when he donated $1 million dollars to the NAACP, the largest gift from an artist or entertainer to the civil rights organization in commemoration of its 100th anniversary. He stated, “Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am today.” Today, his films have grossed over $400 million worldwide, and he has opened the first movie studio owned by an African American.

Denzel Washington

After filming the movie, “The Great Debaters,” a true story set in the 1930s about an African American debate team from Wiley College, the Academy Award-winning actor donated $1 million to the historically black college to re-establish their debate team. Denzel also makes his philanthropy a family affair, through the establishment of the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience. The award is given to students pursuing training in the field of neuroscience and is presented by the Washington family, which includes their children: John David, Katia, Olivia and Malcolm.

Michael Jackson

The late pop icon Michael Jackson has broken records with music and philanthropy. In addition to having the best selling album of all time (‘Thriller’), he has been recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as supporting the most charities by a pop star – 39! The king of pop was among the first entertainers to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and it is estimated that he has donated over $300 million to various foundations. Twenty-five years later, musicians gathered to record a remake of the 1985 hit song “We Are the World,” a song co-written by Jackson that raised millions of dollars for African famine relief.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

In 1991, Magic Johnson made a startling announcement. He had contracted the HIV virus and retired from the NBA shortly thereafter. Since then, he and his wife Cookie have served as advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The Magic Johnson Foundation was founded that same year in an effort to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. Not only does Magic support the health needs of urban communities, but he serves economic needs as well. As the president of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has revitalized urban neighborhoods by opening new retail establishments, which has most importantly created new jobs!

Russell Simmons

When one thinks of hip hop and philanthropy, this business mogul’s name is top of mind. Russell Simmons, hip hop icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist, established the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network in an effort to get more youth involved and exposed to the arts and social causes. In its first 11 years, Rush Philanthropic has served over 700,000 urban youth, directed millions in funding to underserved youth, and established two arts exhibits and education facilities. No doubt Russell has sparked the surge in giving among today’s hip hop artists.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby and his wife Camille have the distinction of donating one of the largest gifts from an African American to a historically black college, giving $20 million dollars to Spelman College in Atlanta for the The Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center. The charitable couple also donated $1.3 million to Fisk University and founded the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation to support programs that educate young children with learning differences.

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