African-American Actresses Who Are Philanthropists

Prominent African-American actresses have long utilized their platforms to drive social change and support global humanitarian efforts. These women balance high-profile careers in film and television with dedicated commitments to education, healthcare, and social justice. Through the establishment of non-profit organizations and partnerships with international charities, they address systemic issues and provide resources to underserved communities. Their philanthropic work often reflects personal experiences and a desire to create sustainable impact beyond the entertainment industry.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey established the ‘Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation’ to support education and empowerment programs for women and children worldwide. She famously founded the ‘Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls’ in South Africa to provide high-quality education and leadership development to under-resourced students. Through her former ‘Angel Network’, she raised millions of dollars for various global causes and disaster relief efforts. Her philanthropic focus remains heavily centered on literacy, healthcare access, and the promotion of social equity.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a prominent advocate for ending childhood hunger and serves as an ambassador for ‘No Kid Hungry’. She has shared her personal history with food insecurity to raise awareness and funds for the ‘Hunger Is’ campaign. Davis also supports the ‘Segue Center’ in Rhode Island, which provides essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, she works with the ‘Upstate Foundation’ to improve healthcare services and accessibility in marginalized communities.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson founded the ‘Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’ in honor of her father to provide mental health support specifically for the Black community. The organization works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in the mental health field. Henson launched the ‘Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign’ to ensure that mental health services remained accessible during global crises. Her advocacy focuses on providing wellness resources and creating safe spaces for psychological healing.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is a long-standing supporter of the ‘Boys & Girls Clubs of America’ and was inducted into their Alumni Hall of Fame for her contributions. She serves as an ambassador for ‘UNICEF’, focusing on global initiatives related to child survival and youth development. Bassett also lends her support to the ‘American Cancer Society’ and participates in public health campaigns regarding diabetes awareness. Her philanthropic efforts prioritize the empowerment of youth and the improvement of public health outcomes.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has been a dedicated supporter of the ‘Jenesse Center’, a domestic violence intervention program in Los Angeles, for over two decades. She actively raises funds to provide transitional housing, legal services, and vocational training for survivors of domestic abuse. Berry also collaborated with the ‘Watch Hunger Stop’ campaign to support the ‘United Nations World Food Programme’. Her humanitarian work extends to providing aid through the ‘Afghanistan Relief Organization’ to support education and basic needs.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington serves on the ‘Artists Committee for Americans for the Arts’ and works with ‘Turnaround Arts’ to integrate arts education into high-need schools. She is an ambassador for the ‘Allstate Foundation Purple Purse’ program, which focuses on the financial empowerment of domestic violence survivors. Washington is also active in ‘Voto Latino’, an organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter registration among young people. Her advocacy spans across the intersections of social justice, women’s rights, and educational equity.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a vocal advocate for the ‘Time’s Up’ movement, which seeks to ensure safety and equity for women in the workplace. She supports ‘Dress for Success’, a non-profit organization that provides professional attire and development tools to help women achieve economic independence. Ross also works with the ‘Los Angeles LGBT Center’ to support programs that benefit the local queer community and youth. Her philanthropy frequently highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the systemic empowerment of marginalized groups.

Zendaya

Zendaya has a long-standing partnership with ‘Convoy of Hope’, frequently using her birthday to encourage fans to donate to disaster relief and global poverty initiatives. She has supported the ‘FeedOne’ program to help provide nutritional support to children in need across various countries. Zendaya also works with the ‘UNAIDS’ foundation to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment among the youth population. Their efforts are characterized by a focus on immediate humanitarian aid and mobilizing the younger generation for social causes.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi created ‘Eighteen x 18’, a creative platform designed to increase voter turnout and civic engagement among young voters. She serves as a spokesperson for the ‘STEM’ programs at ‘DoSomething.org’, encouraging underrepresented students to pursue careers in science and technology. Shahidi is also involved with ‘Girl Up’, a ‘United Nations Foundation’ initiative that focuses on leadership development and gender equality. Her activism is deeply rooted in the promotion of education, social justice, and active political participation.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph founded ‘The DIVA Foundation’ in 1990 as a memorial to friends lost to HIV/AIDS and to provide public health education. The foundation hosts the annual ‘DIVAS Simply Singing!’ benefit concert, which is the longest-running musical AIDS benefit in the United States. Ralph is a recipient of the ‘Red Ribbon Award’ for her consistent advocacy and efforts to reduce the stigma associated with the epidemic. She also supports various initiatives that focus on the empowerment of women and youth through the arts.

Please share your thoughts on these inspiring women and their charitable work in the comments.