Celebrity Jeopardy Winner Donates Earnings to Alabama Teachers

W. Kamau Bell, an accomplished comedian, commentator, and director who has strong ties to Alabama, recently made headlines by winning big on “Celebrity Jeopardy!” But what makes this story even more heartwarming is that he has decided to share his winnings with schools in Mobile, Alabama, and Oakland, California.

Bell, known for his work on the Emmy-winning CNN series “United Shades of America” and the HBO Max documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed,” faced tough competition on the game show but ultimately emerged victorious, taking home a $1 million prize for his chosen charity, DonorsChoose. This organization allows teachers to create wishlists for classroom materials, which donors can then fulfill.

In a touching gesture, Bell announced on social media that he would be donating part of his winnings to fund DonorsChoose projects in Oakland public schools and Mobile, Alabama, where his father resides and where he spent many summers as a child. In Mobile, Bell’s generosity funded 72 projects for 52 teachers at 22 schools, totaling approximately $53,000.

Reflecting on his connection to Mobile, Bell shared, “While my home is in Oakland, I never go too long without returning to Mobile with my wife and three girls to visit my dad, the legendary Mobilian himself, Walter Bell. Mobile, Alabama, shaped me and has always embraced me. When I won ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ and was given the opportunity to support DonorsChoose, I knew some of the money would have to go to Mobile schools. I want every kid in Mobile to be able to have the chances in life that I’ve had.”

Bell’s generous donations have already made a significant impact, funding projects such as providing novels for small-group study, sending home gift bags to keep students motivated during summer, and making playground equipment accessible to special-needs students. He teased further plans for the money in the days to come, jokingly referring to himself as the “People’s Secretary of Education.

By winning “Celebrity Jeopardy!”, Bell has earned a spot in the show’s prestigious “Tournament of Champions,” showcasing his knowledge and quick thinking on national television. This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to communities and supporting education for all.