W. Kamau Bell, the Emmy and Peabody-winning TV host (CNN’s United Shades of America), comedian, filmmaker and board member of education nonprofit DonorsChoose, has announced that he is directing his $1 million prize from ABC’s Celebrity Jeopardy! to support public school classrooms across the country.
Bell, who emerged victorious in the show’s third season, competed on behalf of DonorsChoose, a charity that connects public school teachers with donors to fund classroom projects. His $1 million donation will be distributed to educators nationwide in a series of upcoming engagements.
Bell said:
Winning Celebrity Jeopardy! was not on my bingo card – but using that million dollars to support public school classrooms? That’s the real win.
Teachers are out here doing one of the hardest jobs in the country with some of the fewest resources. I want this money to go where it matters—to the people showing up for our kids every single day. Whether it’s in my hometown of Oakland or across the country, this is about putting resources in the hands of those doing the real work.
At Castlemont High School in Oakland, CA, Bell and DonorsChoose announced that the first portion of his winnings will fund all public school teacher requests on DonorsChoose in Oakland where Bell and his family live. In addition, all classroom projects in Mobile, AL, where Bell’s father resides, are being funded. More than 200 schools in Oakland and Mobile benefited from this first phase of surprises.
During upcoming stops on Bell’s “Who’s With Me?” Stand-Up Comedy Tour, audience members will be able to have their donations to local public schools doubled on DonorsChoose using Kamau’s winnings. By matching audience donations, Bell hopes to encourage his audience to get involved in education and stand up for equity in their communities. Additional events, including some with Kamau’s celebrity friends, are being planned to harness these winnings and celebrate the impact educators make each day.
Bell’s donation underscores his long-standing commitment to education equity. In addition to his role as a DonorsChoose board member, he has previously supported projects such as “Reading with Representation,” which aimed to ensure students had access to educational resources that reflect the full breadth, depth, and diversity of America.