Oprah. Diddy. Ludacris.

That’s quite the collection of celebrities known by one name.

They’re also among the more prominent African-American personalities who have and continue to support charter schools.

In recent weeks, some African-American organizations have raised concerns about charter school funding, spending and performance.

Here’s a look at what some of these stars have done to help charter schools:

  • Oprah Winfrey: The media mogul has donated millions of dollars to charter schools and charter school networks in her hometown of Chicago and several states nationwide, according to news accounts.
  • Sean "Diddy" Combs: The rapper/actor/producer/clothing designer has co-founded a charter school that opened this week in Harlem.
  • Ludacris: The Georgia-grown rap superstar has been vocal in his support of charter schools and has attended rallies at the state Capitol promoting school choice.
  • Deion "Prime Time" Sanders: The pro football Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Falcons star opened a charter school in Texas that closed in 2015 due to financial trouble, according to news reports.
  • Keshia Knight Pulliam Hartwell: The Atlanta-based actress earlier this year penned a column in support of school choice.

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Katrina Roman (left) tells her students whether they are "calor" (warm) or "frio" (cold) during Spanish class at the DeKalb Christian Home Educators co-op in Stone Mountain, while school director Coretta Ponder observes on March 26, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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The Midtown Atlanta skyline is shown in the background as an employee works in Cargill's new office, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta.  (Jason Getz/AJC)

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