Black’s Who Give Back

Black Athletes, entertainers who support and give money back to the community

Many Black athletes and entertainers use their platform and wealth to support the community, with a strong focus on education. Their efforts range from creating foundations and funding scholarships to building schools and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

Athletes

• LeBron James: Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he opened the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, a public school that provides at-risk children and their families with wraparound support. The foundation also helps students earn college scholarships through its partnership with the University of Akron.
• Michael Jordan: Through his Jordan Brand, he pledged $100 million over 10 years to combat systemic racism. A portion of this has gone toward education initiatives, including a $1 million donation to Morehouse College to support its journalism and sports program. The Jordan Brand Wings program also provides scholarships for deserving youth in partnership with UNCF.
• Serena and Venus Williams: In partnership with the USTA Foundation, the sisters created the Williams Family Excellence Program, an initiative focused on providing young people from under-resourced communities with academic support, mentorship, and career pathways. Serena has also built schools in Jamaica and across Africa through the Serena Williams Fund.
• Charles Barkley: A consistent supporter of HBCUs, the NBA commentator has quietly donated $1 million each to at least six HBCUs, including Tuskegee University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.
• Jalen Rose: The former NBA player co-founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in his hometown of Detroit, a charter high school with a college-preparatory curriculum.
• Chris Paul: The NBA player earned his degree from Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, and has become a major advocate. He has donated millions to HBCU initiatives, funded scholarships, and collaborated on documentaries to promote Black colleges. 

Entertainers

• Oprah Winfrey: A graduate of Tennessee State University, Oprah has given over $25 million to her alma mater and other HBCUs over the years. She also founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa to provide a nurturing educational environment for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Jay-Z: Through his Shawn Carter Foundation, Jay-Z and his mother provide scholarships and college preparatory support for students from low-income and underserved communities. In 2025, his company Roc Nation pledged $300 million in scholarships for low-income K-12 students in Philadelphia.
• Beyoncé: Her Bey GOOD foundation awards scholarships to students attending HBCUs. Following her Homecoming concert inspired by HBCU culture, she launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, providing $25,000 scholarships to students at several HBCUs.
• Megan Thee Stallion: After graduating from Texas Southern University with a degree in health administration, the rapper created a scholarship fund for women of color at her alma mater.
• Travis Scott: Through his Cactus Jack Foundation, he launched the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund to support HBCU students on the verge of graduating who are facing financial challenges.
• Denzel Washington: After filming The Great Debaters, the Oscar-winning actor donated $1 million to Wiley College to help re-establish its debate team. He is also a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Tyler Perry: The writer, director, and producer works through his foundation to support education and youth development. He has funded numerous initiatives for underserved youth, including scholarships for graduating seniors.
• John Legend: His Show Me Campaign provides children with access to quality education, and he also supports programs aimed at redesigning learning to better equip students for success. 
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