CA, US & World
W. Kamau Bell Wins $1 Million on Celebrity Jeopardy, Donates to Support Teachers and Students
Comedian and commentator W. Kamau Bell is using his Celebrity Jeopardy victory to make a real difference for teachers and students across the country.
Earlier this week, Bell won the $1 million prize on the hit show, choosing to donate the entire amount to DonorsChoose, a platform that helps teachers fund classroom projects and supplies. Bell’s win is already making a direct impact in Oakland, California, where he feels a deep connection, even though he wasn't born there. "I feel like I was raised here," he said during a visit to Castlemont High School.
The funds will support 235 projects at Oakland schools, including 23 projects right at Castlemont High. Students and teachers at the school welcomed Bell's contribution with excitement and gratitude.
"It made me feel good, you know, to help Oakland in general," said Castlemont freshman Nasir Obasohan. Fellow student Devynn Taylor added, "It's good to know that our teachers are being seen and identified — we are limited in resources, and someone is here to support us."
Bell emphasized how often teachers dip into their own paychecks to cover classroom expenses. "Until our country understands that we need to fund public education better, this is one way to do it," he said.
Bell’s knowledge of pop culture helped him clinch the final Celebrity Jeopardy answer, wagering all but one dollar — a bold move that paid off in a big way for students.
And Oakland isn’t the only city benefitting from Bell’s generosity. A portion of the winnings will also go to support DonorsChoose projects in Mobile, Alabama, where his father lives.
Credit: CNN Newsource
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April 26, 2025
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