Celebs using their status to do good

1. ALICIA KEYS
Talented musician Alicia Keys doesn’t just use her voice for belting those high notes, but also to speak up about matters close to her heart. She co-founded an organisation called Keep a Child Alive in 2003 with her friend and AIDS activist, Leigh Blake. They provide healthcare, financial support and housing to HIV-affected communities. How did this organisation come about? Alicia remembers the impact that her mom’s friend passing from the disease had on her life. But that’s not all! In 2019, Keys launched She Is The Music, a non-profit organisation aimed at increasing women’s representation in the music industry.

2. GABRIELLE UNION
The Being Mary Jane actor is not afraid of using her platform to talk about what she believes in and speaking up for worthy causes. Having experienced sexual assault herself, she helps others who have gone through the same experience. The actor is an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a breast cancer organisation; that publicly supports the University of Los Angeles’ Young Survivor Coalition as well as The Rape Treatment.

Gabrielle’s husband, a former professional basketball player is also not afraid to speak out about matters close to his heart. “We understand the position we’ve been put in, especially in our community, and even though it’s not always a popular thing to speak out on issues that people are uncomfortable with or not as educated on, this is the platform that God gave me and my family,” he added. “So, we use it,” Wade told Entertainment tonight.

3. LEONARDO DICAPRIO
The Academy Award-winning actor and outspoken environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has been working with the Wildlife Conservation Society for many years. He has also founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, a nature conservationist organisation. Through public campaigns and media projects, he has brought attention to climate change, forest conservation, and the importance of protecting the planet’s ocean and biodiversity.
In 2014, he was honoured with the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his philanthropic work.

4. BEYONCÉ KNOWLES-CARTER
The sensational mononym vocalist is one of the most philanthropic celebrities, donating millions each year to charities and organisations in need. She has built churches, partnered with multiple charities, and even donated her entire salary from her role in the movie Cadillac Records to a rehab centre.

The former Destiny’s Child member sprang into action when the group founded the Survivor Foundation in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in Houston, Texas. The foundation provided transitional housing for victims who lost their houses during the hurricane. Her philanthropy awarded her the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards in

5. OPRAH WINFREY
Former host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Winfrey has been involved in philanthropic work for many years. From helping to finance museums to providing disaster relief and aiding the education system, she uses her fame and wealth in the best way possible. Having a strong focus on education, she founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007. According to the actor-host, the school’s fundamental value involves encouraging girls to develop their critical thinking, so that they may create the best possible life for themselves and use their life in service to others.

Oprah was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 – the highest award for an American citizen.

These are only a few of the amazing, humble and caring celebs out there who not only inspire us, but also lead the way to brighter futures.