- Now more than ever,
I think in this country we need a spirit of giving,
of helping each other out, of volunteering,
of not just sitting back and complaining,
and waiting for our elected officials
to get us in deeper trouble.
And you know, it's not their responsibility.
What have you done today?
What have I done today?
I think we need to get up in the morning and say,
look, what can I do?
(upbeat music)
- [Woman] These men are titans on the big screen
and make giant sized moves in the world of philanthropy.
Academy Award receiving actor, Samuel L. Jackson
and Denzel Washington's films have banked more
than a combined $20 billion.
They've also handsomely contributed to individuals
and institutions in the name of progress
to the black cultural experience and our collective wealth.
- Well, he's always been, you know, a giving person.
He understands, you know,
the roots of where we all came from,
of need and wanting to help people
who aren't as advantaged as we are.
And, you know, it's part of what we should do.
We should give back.
I mean, we've been very fortunate and it's great
to come from a place and to rise up
and to be able to look back and say,
"Look, I need to help somebody else come up"
"the same way I did."
So, that's what we do.
- [Woman] Samuel L. Jackson began giving at an early age.
His interest in civil rights
and black empowerment was stoked at the ripe age
of 20 years old when he served as an usher
at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
His success in front of the camera has enabled him
to make grant making a priority,
funneling philanthropic funds
through "The Samuel and LaTonya R. Jackson Foundation".
The organization focuses on giving back
in the areas of education, health, youth affairs
and African American arts and culture.
Some of the organization's SLJ and LaTonya's foundation
have funded include the Children's Defense Fund,
Girls Inc, After School Matters,
and the Anastasian Brighter Horizon Foundation.
Samuel and LaTonya bequest also extends
to their alma maters, Morehouse College
and Spelman College respectively,
two of 107 historically black colleges and universities.
The Jacksons are also significant financial supporters
of The Studio Museum in Harlem, the New Federal Theater,
True Colors Theater Company, the Ebony Repertory Theater,
and have donated at least $1 million in grants
to the Smithsonian's National Museum
of African American History and Culture.
The grant making doesn't stop
with those pivotal institutions though.
The Jacksons have also donated
to the Alzheimer's Foundation, the Not Alone Foundation
which battles kidney disease,
Artists for a New South Africa to combat HIV and AIDs
and the HollyRod Foundation which brings attention
to autism and parkinson's disease.
- That's what we're all here for to make sure
that you are aware that it's still going on
and it is not going away and that it is getting worse,
and with your help, hopefully, we can make things better.
So, do something.
- [Woman] One thing's for sure,
Samuel L. Jackson has a penchant for lifting up others,
and ensuring his hard earned dollars
support impactful causes and our people.
Another charitable juggernaut is
the multiple Academy Award winning actor, director
and producer, Denzel Washington.
- There's a saying,
you'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.
You know, you can't take it with you.
And I'm not just talking about money,
I'm talking about your talent,
your ability, your patience, your love.
So, you know, who have you lifted up?
Who have you helped to make better?
I think that's a part
of what I'd like to be,
I think, we'd like to be remembered for,
and that's what we work at every day.
- [Woman] His demonstrated humanitarianism holds true
to that statement,
as he selflessly provides opportunities for others.
Washington's altruistic endeavors are directed
towards education, the youth, human services,
global causes and charitable giving,
through the Denzel Washington Family Foundation.
on several occasions, Denzel has committed physical capitals
to higher education by making several generous grants
to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas,
one of 107 historically black colleges and universities.
During one instance,
he gave $1 million to reestablish the debate club.
And in another, gave another 1 million
to the overall school fund.
The Fisher House Foundation, an organization
that provides housing for wounded soldiers,
the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund,
as well as the Boys Club of America,
have also been beneficiaries of Washington's philanthropy.
Denzel Washington directly impacted
Chadwick Boseman's education
during his short lived time on earth.
When Boseman was a student at Howard University,
another historically black college and universities
Washington famously financed Boseman's tuition
for the highly lauded, Midsummer Program
at the British American Drama Academy.
When Denzel was offered a lifetime achievement award
during an American Film Institute Ceremony in 2019,
Chadwick Boseman paid tribute to Denzel
during his speech, proclaiming,
"There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington."
Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington
are two contributory examples
of how blacks are uplifting the culture
through charitable means.
Their kindhearted acts have already proven to be beneficial
and will continue to provide opportunities
for a litany of others for many years to come.
(upbeat music)