The world’s richest Black woman, Oprah Winfrey, has pledged a substantial $2.5-million donation to the U.S. Dream Academy, a Silver Spring-based nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing character-driven, global-minded youth.
This significant contribution, made on the occasion of the U.S. Dream Academy’s 25th anniversary, not only exceeded the organization’s fundraising target but also brought Winfrey’s lifetime donations to the academy to over $10 million.
The U.S. Dream Academy, founded in 1998 by Grammy-nominated gospel singer Wintley Phipps, has been on a mission to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration by providing after-school programs and mentorship opportunities to children in high-risk communities.
Winfrey’s latest pledge is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the organization’s cause and marks a significant milestone in her continued support.
During the announcement of her donation, Winfrey, who has solidified her position as the world’s richest Black woman, expressed her deep belief in the power of education, stating: “Education is one of the forces that helped me be who I am in the world today. I’m a believer in helping children be the best that they can be, as this Academy has done for a quarter of a century.”
Wintley Phipps, the founder and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, extended his heartfelt gratitude to Winfrey and all the supporters of the organization, he said: “The U.S. Dream Academy is so blessed to consider Oprah Winfrey as our biggest champion and supporter over the course of these 25 years. Words cannot express our deep gratitude to Oprah as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”
“This donation will be life-changing for so many more kids who will benefit from our after school and mentoring programs. We are grateful to Oprah Winfrey, our corporate sponsors, and the many individual donors who helped us exceed our goal,” he added.
Winfrey’s philanthropic gesture coincided with her recent surge in wealth, with her fortune increasing from $2.5 billion on Sept. 30 to $2.8 billion at the time of this report. The boost can be attributed to the revaluation of her extensive assets, spanning the media and entertainment industry, as well as the strong performance of her investments in various companies and her substantial real estate holdings.
The U.S. Dream Academy’s annual Power of a Dream Gala, which has been instrumental in raising more than $20 million since 2001, provides vital support for the provision of high-quality after-school programs tailored to children living in high-risk communities.
