Nationwide — To regular people, celebrities seem like they have it all. They get paid big, get amazing opportunities, and can travel the world. That’s all fun and good, but the celebrities who stand out are the ones who give back—the celebrities who use their influence and position to better society. Check out this list of Black celebrities who give back to the community.
1. Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper makes sure to constantly use his platform to give back. In 2016, he cofounded SocialWorks, a foundation that empowers youth. It has raised more than $2 million for Chicago Public Schools.
2. Will & Jada Smith
The celebrity power couple founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation in 1996. Since then, they have helped underserved individuals live up to their potential. Dedicated to improving the Black community, the couple hopes that they can help everyone “identify their own unique abilities and use them in service to humanity.”
3. Serena Williams
Serena has given back to communities across the world in numerous ways. She believes that nothing should stand in the way of someone achieving their goals—whether it be their gender, race, health, or education. As a result, she strives to promote equity in all aspects of life.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Since 2010, Shaq has worked with the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. He recognized the growing problem with underage drinking and driving, why people do it, and the issues that result. With the campaign Drive Like You Give A #&%!, Shaq and the Foundation fight impaired driving by encouraging people to make safe decisions when they’re behind the wheel.
5. Beyoncé
A lot of people don’t realize how much Beyoncé gives back to the community. From her own Survivor Foundation to Miss A Meal, she actually supports many different charities. She’s given away millions of her own money to help those in need. She started BeyGood as well, a foundation that aims to make the world a more beautiful place.
6. LeBron James
An incredible athlete and an incredible philanthropist, LeBron James started the LeBron James Family Foundation, which funds multiple charitable projects around the U.S. James works to empower young adults and inspire others to do charitable work like him.