Black Celebrity Giving

BCG’s Top 5 Black Celebrity Philanthropists Of All Time!

Raby Gueye — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:20:18 +0000

While the main-stream media tends to focus on stories regarding black celebrities based upon pure speculation, slanderous lies and or unsubstantiated allegations; they rarely shed light on African American philanthropists and their unselfish efforts of giving and genuine love to help others, regardless of ethnicity. Being that BCG is all about black philanthropy, we’d like to take the time to recognize the top five black philanthropist off all time. Here are the most influential celebrities that made our list this year, and the good news was it was hard because so many celebrities give back and you know we love that!

Oprah Winfrey; Since receiving her Oscar nomination for her debut film performance in “The Color Purple,” actress, multi-media mogul and philanthropist Winfrey has gone on to establish herself as one of the most influential and well-known figures in entertainment and philanthropy. With her net worth estimated over $2.5 billion, Winfrey has been dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and raising awareness of issues that affect women and children, both in the United States and around the globe. In 2007 The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa opened, with 150 low-income seventh-and-eighth graders, the school now enrolls over 300 students. It’s mission is to provide a nurturing educational environment for academically gifted girls who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. She has helped over 5,000 students receive their college education. Oprah has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, with most of her money going to three foundations: The Angel Network, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and The Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation. She has helped over 5,000 students go to college including over 100 Morehouse men who were featured on her final episode of the Oprah Winfrey show. On top of all this, Oprah also has a will that will donate 1 billion dollars to charity. Oprah Winfrey is, beyond all doubt, one of the greatest philanthropists in the 21st century.

Michael Jackson; according to the 2000 Guinness Book Of World Records, Jackson supported more charities (39) that year, via money donations and sponsorships, than any other entertainer. Jackson’s financial contributions have helped in relief efforts in dilapidated regions throughout the world mainly providing clean drinking water, food and medical supplies. Jackson applied immense amounts of currency and time towards relief assistance for A.I.D.S. and cancer research, as well as to combat world hunger. In 1984, Jackson equiped a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research. Later in the year, he visited the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donated all the money he received from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.In 1992, he established the Heal The World Foundation, whose work has included airlifting 6 tons of supplies to Sarajevo, instituting drug and alcohol abuse education and donating millions of dollars to less fortunate children. Michael Jackson wrote “We Are The World” with Lionel Richie in 1985 and performed it as part of an all-star single to raise money for Africa in 1985, it was one of the highest grossing songs of all time, with more than 30 celebrities taking part in the effort. Before his death in 2009 Jackson had plans to team up with rapper Akon to help rebuild local school in West Africa. The king of pop also, often visited hospital patients, raising their morale with his presence.

Russell Simmons; few other celebrities combine hip-hop and philanthropy as well Russell Simmons. The hip-hop icon, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network in an effort to get more young people involved in and exposed to the arts and social causes.Since being established the Rush Philanthropic has served over 700,000 urban youth, directed millions in funding, and established two arts exhibits and education facilities. He is a man who is outspoken on many causes, using his celebrity for good his work with anti-slavery charity, the Somaly Mam Foundation, which aims to help women who have been previously forced into sex slavery, and he was feted for his contributions at the organization’s gala in New York. As a spokesperson for PETA, he has urged action against companies including KFC. Through his work with the Hip Hop Inauguration Ball he helped elect President Barack Obama. His latest effort aims at not only gun violence, but also the prison industrial project, aimed at fair sentencing for black people across the US. The list of charities supported by Mr. Simmons could go on for day, let’s just say giving back is one of his major priorities.

Tom Joyner; he is the “hardest working man in radio” is also the hardest working man for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to provide financial assistance to students attending HBCUs. The foundation also supports a variety of initiatives including the Arts as well as HIV/AIDS peer educator programs and increasing the number of certified instructors at the schools. Joyner has been an advocate for voter registration and throughout the year promotes voter registration over the air, on his website and during his live ‘Sky Shows’ broadcasts. To improve healthy living, Joyner holds a ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day’ every April or September. On that day, he rallies families and friends to go to the doctor to get a check up to prevent any health problems, and particularly treat any existing issues. Last year he teamed up with Allstate Insurance, for quotes for education, through the program for every quote received Allstate donated $10 to support students at HBCUs. Fans also had the chance to vote for their favorite HBCU culminating in Allstate donating over $50,000.So party with a purpose if you ever get a chance to sail with Tom Joyner and friends on a Fantastic Voyage. It’s the number one money maker for the foundation and supports HBCU’s nationwide.

Muhammad Ali, has devoted his life to helping promote world peace, civil rights, cross-cultural understanding, interfaith relations, humanitarianism, hunger relief, and the commonality of basic human values. His work as an ambassador for peace began in 1985, when he flew to Lebanon to secure the release of four hostages. Ali also has made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea; delivered over $1 million in medical aid to Cuba; traveled to Iraq to secure the release of 15 United States hostages during the first Gulf War; and journeyed to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. In addition to his international efforts, Ali is equally devoted to helping charities at home. He has visited countless numbers of soup kitchens and hospitals, and helped organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics. He also annually participates in Celebrity Fight Night, which generates funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.Ali once said, “I’ve always wanted to be more than just a boxer. More than just the three-time heavyweight champion. I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world.” During the Atlanta Child Murders case, Ali put up a $400,000 reward for information leading to information on the cases. In November 2005, Ali and his wife Lonnie opened the Muhammad Ali Center in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Both an education center and museum experience, the Ali Center inspires children and adults to be as great as they can be, and encourages people around the globe to form new commitments in their lives in areas of personal growth, integrity, and respect for others. He said he was the greatest and he just may be.

There you have it BCG Friends! Our Top 5 Black Celebrity Philanthropists Of All Time; don’t you agree they are simply amazing! Stay tuned for our next list, you never know who might make it!

Kevin Durant Donates $1 Million for Tornado Relief in Oklahoma!

jasminec — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:42:21 +0000

The images and video we’ve all be witnessing from the devastation in Oklahoma after a tornado changed lives forever. Anytime a natural disaster strikes we all take a moment to not only reflect and give thanks but also search our hearts for ways that we can help. Oklahoma City isn’t just a place where Thunder star Kevin Durant lives these days. It’s home.

So as he watched the horrifying images Monday as a tornado ripped through suburban Moore, the emotions came bubbling to the surface and so did the need to help. Durant pledged $1 million for tornado relief through his foundation on Tuesday, eager to help a devastated area begin to rebuild.”As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see,” said Durant, who was in Minneapolis to watch longtime friend Monica Wright play a preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. “I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to come together as a city like we always do and we’re going to bounce back.”

Durant has been in Oklahoma City for five years now, ever since the Seattle SuperSonics moved there in 2008. He’s become a fixture in the community, in addition to establishing himself as one of the very best players in the NBA. He said he was hoping to return home Wednesday to try and lift the spirits of an area reeling from the deaths of some two dozen people, including children.

“Just to get to the hospital, see some kids,” Durant said. “Something. Just something to give some hope. Playing for the Thunder, we mean so much to the state. So many people support us and I just want to go back and support those people.”

The American Red Cross said the gift from Durant’s foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. The Thunder also announced a $1 million donation, as did the NBA and players’ union. ”Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation that has occurred within our community this week,” Thunder chairman Clay Bennett said in a statement issued by the team. “We are focusing Thunder resources to help where we can in the relief efforts and to support the organizations that are on the ground assisting those affected by this week’s storms. Even with so much loss, the strength and resiliency of this community have once again been on display, and we will continue to work together as our community and state recover from this disaster.”

When Durant initially heard reports of a tornado near Oklahoma City, he didn’t pay them much mind. A veteran of the area now, he knows twisters can be a regular occurrence this time of year. It quickly became apparent that this one was different, and Durant could barely watch it all unfold. ”It hit so close to home,” he said. “It was tough to see. There’s some part of me wishing I could’ve played better for my team to stay in the playoffs,” Durant said. “Hopefully they get back on their feet. It’s so tough. Praying for the families. I’m feeling for them.”

We at BCG salute Mr. Durant for his selfless act of giving back, if you want to help support the victims of the devastation in Oklahoma click here for more than 10 ways to get involved.

Missing Child: Isaiah Alexander, Age 11 of Ft. Worth, TX; Last Seen May 21st, 2013!

jasminec — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:06:27 +0000

Isaiah Alexander

Case Type: Endangered
DOB: Jan 01, 2002
Missing Date: May 21, 2013
Age Now: 11
Missing City: Forth Worth
Missing State: TX
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Complexion: Light
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Long
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No

Location Last Seen: Around 11PM at his home on the 5700 block of Blackmon Court in north Fort Worth.

Circumstances of Disappearance: The boy’s mother told police he never came back in after being told to take out the trash.

Last Seen Wearing: He was last seen in a blue Angry Birds T-shirt, blue jeans and black Nike tennis shoes.

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Unknown.Fort Worth police are looking for an 11-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since about 11 p.m. Monday night.

Police say 11-year-old Isaiah Alexander is black and has long hair. He was last seen in a blue Angry Birds T-shirt, blue jeans and black Nike tennis shoes. The boy’s mother told police he never came back in after being told to take out the trash at his home on the 5700 block of Blackmon Court in north Fort Worth.

Officers have searched on the ground using bloodhounds to no avail. Police also used their helicopter to look for the boy from the air. Police are staying near family members homes in Fort Worth in case the boy turns up there.

Have information about Isaiah? Click here to submit information to the Black and Missing Foundation.

Snoop Joins “Voices Against Violence” Campaign to End Gun Violence!

jasminec — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:28:10 +0000

Snoop Dogg or Lion whichever you prefer recently created a video and audio message urging the public to call congress. The video debuted yesterday in support of common sense gun laws. Snoop who has been one of the most outspoken proponents of ending gun violence, has joined with singer Tony Bennett to support VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE, a campaign launched last month by Bennett, his son and manager Danny Bennett and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. The campaign supports common sense gun laws and calls for ending the gun violence that takes thousands of innocent lives each year in communities across America.

Snoop Lion created a video message urging citizens to call Congress and voice their support of Congressional action on increasing gun safety, which debuted on www.facebook.com/thisismyvav yesterday. Snoop Lion also contributed an audio message as part of the VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE ‘text-to-call’ Congress initiative when you text MYVOICE to 877877. Snoop Lion’s music video, NO GUNS ALLOWED, already has over 750,000 on-line views.

“Supporting the safety of our country through common sense gun laws is an issue that crosses all demographics and brings citizens from divergent backgrounds together in this important cause. I am so appreciative that Snoop Lion has added his voice to VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE,” commented Tony Bennett.

“We will only see real change to our gun laws by coming together and raising our voices demanding it. Snoop Lion’s activism is inspiring and we hope sends a message to young people across the nation that every American can have an impact,” said Dan Gross, President of the Brady Campaign.

Among celebrity supporters of Voices Against Violence are Paul McCartney, Alec Baldwin, Elton John, Jim Carey, Rachael Ray, Juanes, Alejandro Sanz, Mario Batali, Gloria Estefan, Sting, Josh Groban, k.d. lang, Romeo Santos, Rosie O’Donnell, Mia Farrow, Ana Carolina, Vicentico and Mia Farrow. To date the VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE ‘text-to-call’ Congress campaign has generated over 30,000 calls to date. The goal of the text-to-call campaign is to encourage the public to share their voices by making it easy for people who care about gun violence to call their members of Congress.

Follow VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE at: www.voicesagainstviolence.com, www.facebook.com/thisismyvav, www.twitter.com/vav.

Atlanta! Join BCG & The Gidewon Group for an Esteemed Event Honoring Local Change-Makers + Do-Gooders #GivingIsGoodAwards 05.30.13!

jasminec — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:07:03 +0000

Event Registration Online for Giving Is Good Awards powered by Eventbrite

San Francisco 49er NaVorro Bowman to Host Urban Ed Academy Fundraiser on May 31st!

jasminec — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:53:42 +0000

Urban Ed Academy (UEA) is holding a prestigious evening hosted by 49er’s Superstar NaVorro Bowman at San Francisco’s Press Club to raise money for the launch of their revolutionary summer education program, SMART Saturdays!

SMART Saturdays (Study – Move – Achieve – Respond – Transition) builds academic proficiency and develops character for 500 3rd – 5th grade boys of color from the San Francisco Bay Area. Through an innovative, interactive, and culturally relevant curriculum taught over 42 Saturdays a year, SMART Saturdays is committed to eliminating the racial achievement gap in education and enhancing the quality of life for communities of color.

Too many young men of color find themselves on the fringes of American society simply because they lacked solid educational foundations. SMART Saturdays seeks to change this paradigm, ensuring that boys of color begin cultivating at a young age the academic, social and emotional competencies required to do well in school, their careers, and life. UEA is where boys become productive young men.

SMART Saturdays engages students academically while fostering leadership, building self-esteem, and cultivating a strong a sense of culture and community. To support the June 2013 kick off of our inaugural class of 500 boys of color, UEA must to raise $25,000 and they cannot do it without you.

Urban Ed is encouraging all Bay area residents to be in attendance at our fundraiser and any accompanied donation will help change how boys of color access and value education beginning at a young age. In addition, the event promises to be a refined, unique, distinctly Northern California wine country experience. San Francisco 49er NaVorro Bowman will host the spectacular evening and will be joined by leaders in politics, esteemed athletes, and industry professionals all eager to enjoy a fun evening in support of an incredible cause.

VIP donation will include admission to the private reception commencing at 6pm, general admission will begin at 7pm. To purchase tickets to attend this esteemed event visit http://urbanedacademyfundraiser.eventbrite.com.

UEA believes that what Frederick Douglass said more than 150 years ago holds true today, “it is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men.” With your support UEA boys can be our next generation of visionaries, leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and community stewards. Please come out and show your support, it is greatly appreciated.

For more information visit: UrbanEdAcademy.org and support their Indiegogo campaign by clicking here!

{PICS} Sports Spectacular Gala Celebrates Giving, Honors Chris Paul, Jason Collins and More!

jasminec — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:26:44 +0000

Last night the Sports Spectacular organization presented the 28^th Anniversary Sports Spectacular Gala at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles, celebrating the greatest names in sports and entertainment. This year’s event benefited the groundbreaking work of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Each year, Sports Spectacular partners with top athletes and world-class health professionals to improve lives through research, prevention and education.

Presenters and honorees included:

Jason Collins - honored with the Inspirational Athlete of the Year award. Presented by Baron Davis.
Hope Solo - received the Female Athlete of the Year award. Presented by Casey Wasserman.
Colin Kaepernick - received the Breakout Player of the Year award. Presented by Jim Hill and John Salley.
Chris Paul - honored with the Spirit Award. Presented by Gary Payton.
Special tribute to Dr. Jerry Buss - presented by Jerry West. Award accepted by Johnny Buss.
Beth Moskowitz (Sports Spectacular Executive Director) - honored with the Achievement Award.

The event was hosted by John Salley, Jim Hill and Kevin Frazier. Additional attendees included, Evan Lysacek, Holly Robertson Peete, DeAndre Jordan, Al Joyner, Elgin Baylor, Jessica Hardy, Larry Fitzgerald, Jim Everett, Chris Mann, Jarron Collins, Benji Weatherly and more.

Sports Spectacular partners with top athletes & world-class health professionals to improve everyday lives through research, prevention and education.Since 1986, Sports Spectacular has raised over $22 million through the generous donations of its supporters, which has directly supported the groundbreaking research of the Medical Genetics Institute, as well as the world-class doctors in our fellowship program. Check out the photos below, we salute Sports Spectacular for over 27 years of excellence in service and congratulations to all of the honorees!

Missing: Ivanice Harris, Age 28 of Waikiki, HI; Last Seen May 16th, 2013!

jasminec — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:01:29 +0000

Ivanice Harris

Case Type: Endangered
DOB: May 18, 1985
Missing Date: May 16, 2013
Age Now: 28
Missing City: Waikiki
Missing State: HI
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Height: 5-3
Weight: 125
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Shoulder Length
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No

Location Last Seen: She was last seen at 2:15 a.m. Thursday talking to a man outside a bar.

Circumstances of Disappearance: Harris, 28, who is from Portland, was visiting for her 29th birthday. “The last message we have from her is a text message to our mom,” her sister said. Harris, who recently enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College, went to Hawaii about two weeks ago with her boyfriend and a friend.

Last Seen Wearing: She was last seen wearing a red-orange, long-sleeve sweater and long blue denim pants.

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Unknown.

Have information about Ivanice? Click here to submit information to the Black and Missing Tip Line.

Mentoring in the Northeast; Three Organizations Lending a Helping Hand Within the Black Community!

Ali Symone Faltz — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:33:37 +0000

Mentoring is prevalent in the black community more now than ever. While issues such as crime, poverty and lack of self-confidence continue to escalate amongst black people, mentoring is an opportunity for people to be advised on a range of topics that can help them make better decisions in life. Project COPE reaches out to the youth of Camden, New Jersey who have incarcerated parents. It is asked that those who wish to be mentors are 18 or older and take as little as one hour a week out of their time to interact with a child of the Project COPE program. It is intended that the mentee will receive answers to any questions that they may have while being empowered and knowing that they can overcome any obstacle to lead a positive life with a bright future.

Another opportunity to mentor within the northeast region is through the Success Mentoring Organization. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this program wants mentors who can assist high school students in any way possible so that they can graduate. It is preferred that the mentors have a degree and are willing to tutor the mentees as well in a broad range of topics. Whether the mentees are advancing to secondary education, to receive a GED or enter the work force, having been a part of this program would have better prepared them for their future.

New Jersey also offers a program where the mentors are foster parents. These mentors do everything a parent would do but are referred to as mentors because the meanings of the titles go hand in hand. This mentorship lasts for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and is designed for mentors who are completely devoted to showering a young person with all of the love and care that they need. A stable family can help make all the difference in the life decisions that a person makes. Serving as a mentor in any fashion gives the mentor just as many beneficial life lessons as the one being mentored. For more information on these stellar organizations, contact them at the information below, and always remember, mentoring matters.

Project COPE
856.964.1990
http://www.centerffs.org/mentoring/project-cope

Success Mentoring Organization
215.686.0317
http://successmentoring.org

New Jersey Therapeutic Foster Care
732-627-9890
856-533-4100
http://www.nj-mentor.com/children-&-families/therapeutic-foster-care

Endless Dreams Foundation Launches the What Is Beauty Campaign!

jasminec — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:12:25 +0000

The Endless Dreams Foundation (EDF) has launched it’s first ever campaign titled ‘What Is Beauty. The campaign officially kicked off on May 1st and will last until August 1st, 2013. The What Is Beauty campaign will serve as the official launch to the organization’s DreamHER program. This program is geared toward young women ages 13-22. The What Is Beauty campaign’s purpose is to bring awareness to issues women face daily; self-esteem, empowerment and oppression. In order to bring awareness to these issues this campaign will be nationwide; throughout the course of the campaign EDF will have events, seminars, workshops, Twitter chats, contest, giveaways, a teleconference, and much more! The organization has put out a call for support, connecting with individuals, not for profits, and for profit businesses for this campaign. If you are a blogger or writer and would like to submit a post relating to women issues you may do so. All who are interested, please email info@endlessdreamsfoundation.org.

Be sure to check out their Twitter and Tumblr the official campaign hashtag is #WhatIsBeauty! Kudos to Endless Dreams Foundation for this effort, we here at BCG wish you all the best!