ATLANTA — All three of these celebrities are marginalized from society for their gender or sexual orientation. Despite their marginalization, they are using their capital and celebrity status to combat world poverty by improving the lives of people in impoverished nations who do not have access to basic necessities like food, water and education.
Elton John
Elton John’s name is most recognizable in the music community. As a multi-Grammy award winner and a collaborator on “The Lion King” soundtrack, John has earned respect from those in the musical world. Unbeknownst to some, John is also a superstar in the humanitarian world. Founding his own organization to address HIV/AIDS in impoverished communities, John is committed to reducing the number of people who have fallen victim to AIDS under preventable conditions.
In May of this year, John appeared before a Senate subcommittee, imploring senators to do something to not only help those suffering from AIDS in poor communities, but also to destigmatize the illness. In 2000, John received a humanitarian award from GQ magazine to recognize him for his efforts.
“Sir Elton John shares the story of EJAF’s beginnings”
Angelina Jolie
Since the 1990s, Angelina Jolie has dazzled many with her raw talent and public persona. Both she and her husband (Brad Pitt) have received a lot of press for the adoption of many underprivileged children.
While this alone is a charity in and of itself, Jolie set up her own foundation to help those living under deplorable conditions. Through the generous donations and trips, she advocates awareness for poverty and its related issues affecting those abroad.
“Angelina Jolie’s Journey to Cambodia”
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is known as one of the most successful women in the world. As the owner of her own network, Winfrey has a networth of $3 billion and the ability to help millions. In 2009, Winfrey opened an Academy for Girls in 2007, a school free of cost to the girls in attendance. According to her website, Winfrey promised to build a school in South Africa after visiting the late Nelson Mandela. Since 2007, Winfrey has contributed $40 million from her personal account to ensure the school’s success and stability.
In addition to creating the school for young girls, Winfrey is a contributor of The Beginning and the Angel Network.
“The First Day of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy”
– Erin Logan
Sources: Listosaur, The Daily Beast, Elton John, Borgen Project, Celebrity Net Worth, Look to the Stars, Oprah, YouTube 1, YouTube 2
Photo: Daily Maverick