African-American Actresses Who Are Activists For Education

Education is a key driver of positive change, and many well-known people work to expand learning opportunities for those who need them most. African-American actresses have a strong tradition of supporting education, creating scholarship programs, starting schools, and pushing for policies that help students succeed. They use their influence to go beyond acting, building schools, helping teachers, and guiding future leaders. Here are some actresses who have made a real difference in education through their charitable work and active involvement.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a leading supporter of education, having given hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes. She founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, offering excellent schooling to promising students from challenging backgrounds. In the U.S., she’s consistently supported Morehouse College with substantial donations to help male students afford college. Her foundation works to remove financial obstacles that prevent bright students from getting a higher education. Thanks to her dedication, many people have been able to achieve their potential and transform their lives.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād, famous for playing a lawyer and mother on ‘The Cosby Show’, has brought her commitment to quality and achievement to higher education. She now leads the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at her college, Howard University, where she guides the development of future artists and scholars. Rashād has always strongly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), recognizing their importance to American history and culture, and her current role allows her to shape education and mentor students in the arts.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a passionate advocate for arts education, believing that dance and performance can greatly benefit young people. She established the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) in Los Angeles to offer thorough dance training to students from all economic backgrounds. As a non-profit, DADA provides scholarships and strong programs that help young people develop discipline, creativity, and confidence. Allen also regularly speaks at schools about the value of arts education and fights to maintain these programs even when funding is limited. Through her efforts, students of every background can experience excellent cultural education.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a passionate advocate for arts education, especially in schools that are struggling. During her time on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under President Obama, she worked with the Turnaround Arts program. This initiative brings art classes and activities to schools in need, aiming to improve student performance and keep them motivated. Washington personally visited many schools to encourage students and demonstrate how creativity can help them succeed academically. Her work emphasizes the important connection between arts programs and a well-rounded education.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi balances her successful acting career with a strong commitment to learning and making a difference in her community. After graduating from Harvard, she created Eighteen x 18, a platform dedicated to teaching young people about voting and how government works. She also regularly works with groups to encourage girls and students of color to pursue careers in STEM fields. Through social media, Shahidi explains complicated issues in a way that connects with her peers, effectively acting as an educator for her generation. Ultimately, her work inspires young people to see education as a way to create positive change in the world.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a passionate supporter of equal opportunities in American schools, and she believes the arts are key to achieving this. Through her work with Turnaround Arts, she partners with schools in low-income areas, offering guidance and demonstrating how incorporating art can help students who are struggling. She actively encourages lawmakers to continue funding arts programs in schools, emphasizing their importance for a complete education. Woodard feels that nurturing creativity helps students develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in all subjects. She works directly with students and teachers, providing support and resources to improve their environment.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson’s popular show, ‘Abbott Elementary,’ has shined a national spotlight on the lack of funding in public schools, both in Philadelphia and nationwide. She’s used the show’s popularity to team up with companies and groups to directly provide teachers and schools with needed supplies, books, and money. Brunson cleverly uses her promotional events to draw attention to the challenges educators face, turning interviews and appearances into opportunities to advocate for change. She’s even redirected funds from the show’s marketing budget to buy supplies for teachers, choosing to make a real impact instead of simply advertising. This creates a direct connection between the entertainment world and classrooms in need.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson established the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in memory of her nephew, focusing on helping students succeed in school. Each year, the foundation’s “Hatch Day” event provides thousands of children with backpacks and necessary school supplies. Jennifer Hudson herself takes part in these events, aiming to inspire kids to feel ready and confident as they start a new school year. She believes that all children deserve a fair chance to learn and shouldn’t struggle simply because they lack basic supplies. Through her ongoing charitable work, she helps thousands of families in Chicago support their children’s education.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah created the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation to help bright students afford college. The foundation, named after her brother, provides scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to their communities. Latifah also works to prevent students from dropping out of school and to help more minority students earn college degrees. She often emphasizes that higher education is key to financial security and independence, and her ongoing support has made college more accessible for many students facing tuition costs.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira helped start the Almasi Arts Alliance to support and develop the dramatic arts in Zimbabwe through training and partnerships. The organization connects artists from the US and Zimbabwe, offering them opportunities to learn, receive guidance, and access educational materials. Gurira aims to create a lasting system of education that empowers African artists to succeed while remaining in Africa. She does this by hosting workshops and readings that provide valuable learning experiences for up-and-coming writers and performers. Ultimately, her work combines the best of Western theatrical training with the rich traditions of African storytelling.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali, famous for her role in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, has dedicated years to working across the country to help close the gap in educational achievement. She’s been a voice for the Millennium Project, talking to young people about how important education is for a secure future, and she’s partnered with Teach For America to support teachers in underserved communities. Ali often gives speeches at schools and universities, inspiring students to take control of their learning. She believes everyone deserves access to a good education, seeing it as a fundamental right.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam founded Kamp Kizzy to help girls ages 11-16 grow and succeed. The foundation runs free summer camps that build self-confidence, explore the arts, and encourage academic achievement. Pulliam created the camp program to support girls through the difficult teenage years. She personally mentors the campers, inspiring them to go to college and become leaders. Kamp Kizzy provides a safe and encouraging space where girls can believe in themselves and reach for their full potential.

Let us know in the comments which of these programs you find most inspiring, or if you’re aware of other actresses who are helping schools.

2026-02-16 01:15