Recognizing the great history of African Americans during the month of February was of high importance. However, what is just as important is recognizing those who are alive and continuing to make a difference. Here are 7 African Americans proving they are more than their job title as well as making a difference in today's society.
Micheal Jordan
Micheal Jordan, though best known for his illustrious NBA career and being known as one of the best to play the game, makes other contributions to society. Since 2008, he has served as Make-A-Wish's Chief Wish Ambassador since and has brought in over $5 million to the charity organization. He donated five million dollars to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. He also donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the International Association of Chiefs of Police in the hopes of beginning to fix issues with police shootings.
Beyonce
Beyonce is a co-founder of Chime for Change whose focus is on being "a global campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls and women around the world" Beyonce also works to help premature babies born in less developed countries as well as those for are homeless, unemployed, or sick
Kevin Liles
Kevin Liles was the former leader of Island Def Jam Music Group and Warner Music Group. After his music career, he turned to philanthropy. He founded the Make It Happen Foundation, whose goal is to allow life-changing opportunities for under-serviced youth, and the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation, which gives children in Baltimore access to social, educational, economic, cultural and civic opportunities.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey donated over 20 million dollars to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. She also has her own foundation, The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, which does numerous things such as providing leadership for girls in South Africa.
Tom Joyner
Tom Joyner is the host of his very successful radio talk show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Through his show and his foundation, he has raised over 55 million dollars to support people attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He also supports programs focused on helping people with HIV and AIDS.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is the co-founder and Global Ambassador of Keep A Child Alive. This program strives to get medicine to families in Africa suffering from HIV and AIDS. She also campaigns for numerous issues involving topics such as children, famine, education, and the environment.
Lebron James
Lebron James proves to be more than a top NBA player. Despite the high salary he takes in, he gives a large portion of that back to the community in Ohio that raised him. He provide four-year scholarships to the University of Akron for students as part of his "I Promise" program. The program has given scholarships to over 1,000 students.
These seven people are just few of many who are continuing to advance life today.
