In 2024, some philanthropic Black celebrities gained not only attention for their talent but also for their extraordinary charitable endeavors. These individuals have touched countless lives and put smiles on people’s faces nationwide, from offering scholarships to sponsoring community programs. Their dedication to give back exemplifies compassion and leadership, pushing others to follow suit.
Here are some celebrities who showed up for others this year.
GloRilla
Grammy-nominated artist GloRilla returned to her former high school and surprised students and staff with a $25,000 donation to boost their resources.
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GloRilla, whose full name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods, also sang her hit song Yeah Glo! to the students and staff at Melrose High School in Memphis.
Michael Rainey Jr.
Michael Rainey Jr. of “Power Book II: Ghost” fame partnered with the R.A.R.E. (Restoring America through Recovery Education) Foundation to supply financial literacy resources to three high schools on Staten Island, New York.
Their partnership seeks to empower marginalized areas by equipping young people with the necessary tools to manage their financial destinies securely.
The 24-year-old made more than $600,000 in contributions to the financial literacy program, which will be used to fund three high schools in Staten Island, New York, out of an estimated $2.4 million.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, contributed $200,000 to fund the installation of air conditioners in Philadelphia-area schools so that students may be comfortable during the hotter months, displaying his affection for his community.
Hurts remarked, “I think back to my time as a student not being able to imagine some of the things that you guys have to go through. I just want to serve you guys and help in any way I can.”
Tyler Perry
After her home on Mountain Laurel Way in Fayetteville, Georgia, burned down, actress-comedian Cocoa Brown received an offer from Tyler Perry of $400,000 for a brand-new house.
Perry’s kindness comes after a GoFundMe page was set up for Brown following the fire. She reiterated in a TMZ interview that she was “filled with profound gratitude over TP’s support and that of everyone else who donated to her campaign.”
Alicia Keys
Roc Nation and Alicia Keys surprised 12-year-old Tennyson Artigliere by supporting her cause after she set up a GoFundMe page to raise $102,000 to keep her school’s performing arts program open despite budget cuts that could force it to close permanently.
When Keys learnt about the girls’ quest to save the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City (Keys’ alma mater), she decided to step in with her label and donate $60,000. Furthermore, they have agreed to help with annual fundraising for the program until the city can supply the cash on its own.
Dwyane Wade
NBA legend Dwyane Wade donated $3 million to Marquette University. His donation will allow the university to expand its summer reading program for Milwaukee youngsters and build a new practice facility for the men’s basketball team as part of its athletic and human performance research center. Low-income students will also benefit from the establishment of the Wade Scholars program.
Bun B
After Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, devastated his hometown of Houston, Bernard James Freeman, also known as Bun B, took action to repair the damage.
He set up a booth at One Church at Bethel’s Family in the affected area and organized a food drive at a Kroger on E. Sam Houston Parkway to donate more than 500 smashburgers from his Trill Burgers restaurant, although his restaurant had been closed until further notice due to the extreme weather.
Angel Reese
WNBA star Angel Reese celebrated her partnership with the iconic cereal brand Reese’s Puffs cereal with a surprise giveaway, handing out boxes of the cereal with her face on it.
Reese drove through Chicago and personally gave out the cereal to fans on the street, leaving many in awe of her kindness.
She announced her intentions on TikTok, explaining that she had initially been too busy to shop for the cereal herself but decided to make the experience special by connecting with fans in person.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson gave a longtime fan—Ruben Rodriguez—and his family an all-expenses-paid trip to Philadelphia for WrestleMania after Rodriguez made good on his promise to permanently tattoo Johnson’s signature on his arm if the actor signed it during an encounter at a Target store.
Johnson contacted Rodriguez after the fan revealed his new tattoo on social media, describing him “a man of your word.”
Again, “The Rock” gave the youth of the SquashSmarts program, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, a unique surprise during his “Moana 2” press tour, stating, “I’ve set up your own private screening back in your town as my guest to go see ‘Moana 2’.”
