Oprah donates over $1 million to United Negro College Fund

Oprah Winfrey shocked a crowd over the weekend when she donated more than $1 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Winfrey announced the donation on Saturday while speaking at the 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon in Charlotte, N.C.

{mosads}As the video screen in the conference room showed that $1.15 million had already been raised, Winfrey said she would match that figure, prompting those in attendance to erupt in cheers.

“So here’s what I’m going to do, I’m going to match that number!” Winfrey said to applause, according to video shared by UNCF. 

Boom! The awesomeness that is @oprah just matched the $1million dollars that was raised during the #UNCFCharlotte Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon. Yes, so now over $2million was raised to support #HBCUs this afternoon! Peep this#UNCF #blackgirlmagic ❤️ @ Oprah pic.twitter.com/lYeceynhFC

— UNCF (@UNCF) September 28, 2019

The funds will benefit students in North Carolina and HBCUs.

Winfrey noted that she took the time to attend the event because of her reverence for Angelou and her belief in “the power of education.”

“I’m also here today because I believe in the power of education. There is nothing better than to open the door of opportunity for someone,” she said.