Many famous stars and well-known personalities have dedicated themselves as volunteers, humanitarians and philanthropists to changing our world for the better. Last time we brought you the story of Bill Gates and today, we bring you the fourth incredible story of the series to inspire you with his life story.

Denzel Washington is an indelible personality in the world. He is not just a renowned actor and filmmaker but also a dedicated philanthropist who has been actively involved in various charitable causes throughout his career. He has used his platform and resources to support organizations that are focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.

From broadway to the silver screen he has showcased his vivid talents and has been able to capture the hearts of millions of people around the world. He has performed in five broadway productions which are Checkmates (1988), Julius Caesar (2005), Fences (2010), A Raisin in the Sun (2014), and The Iceman Cometh (2018). His theatric expertise range in a wide spectrum owing to the roles he has pursued. He’s at times a protagonist and at times an antagonist, both of which were portrayed flawlessly. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the corrupt detective Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime thriller Training Day, abandoning his noble champion identity in favour of the shady Los Angeles cop. His most notable and famous works include “Equalizer”, in which he portrayed Detective Robert McCall.

One of his outstanding works was “Cry Freedom”. It’s a historical biographical movie about Steve Biko, a South African anti-apartheid leader fighting against racial discrimination and violence of the oppressive white racist government in South Africa. This character was portrayed impeccably by none other than Denzel Washington. Biko’s vocal accent, body language and emotional state were wonderfully brought to the screen through Washington. In addition to these austere characters, he has also pursued comical characters. Napoleon Stone in “Heart condition”, Dr. Philip Chandler in NBC’s hit tv show “St. Elsewhere” and Roger Porter in his debut movie “Carbon copy” are some of them.

“You have to grab moments when they happen. I like to improvise and ad-lib,” said Denzel Washington proving how a positive attitude towards any work you do brings you to its peak. Denzel Washington was named the Best actor of the 21st century by the new york times.

Denzel Washington has been able to show how great he is as a human being as much as he is a great actor. His numerous charity work and the way he interacts with his fellow actors, giving them advice and being there for them has made this fact clear to all.

“The Great Debaters” are a group of debaters who train at the historically Black college in Marshall, Texas.  Denzel Washington’s family foundation has made the fourth $100,000 installment toward a $1 million commitment to support student members of this debate team. The team gained notoriety thanks to a 2007 movie that Denzel Washington both directed and starred in as Professor Melvin B. Tolson, the legendary coach of the Wiley debate team who oversaw the school’s 10-year winning streak in the 1930s and invented interracial collegiate debates during the Jim Crow era.

Denzel Washington, who last paid a visit to the university in 2018 for a debate competition, said that encouraging the next generation of creative minds to practice debate at Wiley College will “open so many doors of opportunity for these individuals during college, career, and beyond. We look forward to The Great Debaters continuing to promote the best and the brightest in the country and are honoured to do so”.

One of the most notable charities that Washington supports is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He has been a long-time supporter of this organization, which provides after-school programs and mentorship opportunities for children in low-income neighbourhoods. Washington’s involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America goes beyond just financial support. He has served as a national spokesperson for their fundraising campaigns and has even visited various clubs to interact with the children and provide inspiration.

Washington has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights issues. He has supported organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which works to promote racial justice and equality in the United States. His involvement with the NAACP has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the organization’s mission. Additionally, Washington has been involved with the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City. Through his donations and support, he has helped provide education, job training, and other resources to families in need.

In addition to these organizations, Washington has also been involved with the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing for military families who are receiving medical treatment. His support for the Children’s Fund, which provides financial assistance to children in need of medical care, is also a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of children.

A few other charity works of him can be included as follows:

Donated $2.25 million to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts for scholarships and faculty support.

Involved with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, which supports research and education on diabetes.

Supporter of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

On a final note, it can be said that Denzel Washington’s charitable work has done a significant contribution to society. His donations, advocacy, and personal involvement in various organizations have improved the lives of countless individuals and families. His efforts to support education, social justice, and civil rights issues have made a lasting impact on communities across the United States.

Denzel Washington is an inspiration to many and serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to those in need and we as Rotaractors have immense lessons to learn from him. Be humble just like him and make it a passion to serve the community with what you achieve in life.

Written by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja

Graphic design by: Rtr. Malithi Fernando