Have you ever wondered who our nation's top black celebrity philanthropists are? Many African American celebrities give of their personal fortunes, along with their time and talent to improve the world. Some give quietly, while others have created foundations to further enhance and promote their giving. For our list, we've identified the top 10 black celebrities and professional athletes who have made the most substantial and historic philanthropic gifts of all time -- including some new leaders in the arena. Our list may surprise you.

Lou Rawls

Remember The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars? When the legendary crooner passed away in 2006 at the age of 72, he helped the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raise more than $200 million to benefit over 65,000 college students. Rawls never had the opportunity to attend college, so he made it his priority to ensure that students, regardless of their income, are able to attend and graduate from college. Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of UNCF shared in a 2006 interview, "Lou did not receive the kind of recognition that he deserved. He was someone who [came along] before entertainers recognized that celebrity could be used for humanitarian purposes -- and that's been lionized by people like Bono (of the rock band U2) -- [Lou] was already doing that." (Source: The Non Profit Times, Feb. 1, 2006)

Oprah Winfrey
"I believe that education is freedom. I believe that education saved my life." - Oprah

Oprah Winfrey is probably one of the most well-known philanthropists in the world. With a fortune exceeding $2.3 billion, her charitable contributions are numerous. Through her charitable foundations, Oprah's Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, it is estimated that her giving exceeds $300 million. Although she experienced hardships during her childhood, she excelled in school and has made it a priority to ensure that children all over the world get a quality education. In 2007, she opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a free residential school for girls in South Africa, and in December 2009, gave the students at the Ron Clark Academy, a private middle school in inner-city Atlanta an early Christmas gift -- $1.5 million.

Tom Joyner

The "hardest working man in radio" is also the hardest working man for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million to provide financial assistance to students attending HBCUs. The foundation also supports a variety of initiatives such as HIV/AIDS peer educator programs and increasing the number of certified instructors at the schools. So party with a purpose this May by sailing with Tom Joyner and friends on a Fantastic Voyage.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player of the modern era, has left a legacy of philanthropy through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The organization was founded by his widow, Rachel Robinson, in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements. In 2003, the organization reached a milestone -- $10 million in scholarship aid for minority students, and last year alone $4 million was provided in scholarship assistance and program support. Plans are now underway to build a Jackie Robinson museum in collaboration with Nike.

Russell Simmons

When one thinks of hip-hop and philanthropy, this business mogul's name is top of mind. Russell Simmons, hip-hop icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist, established the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network in an effort to get more young people involved in and exposed to the arts and social causes. In its first 11 years, Rush Philanthropic has served over 700,000 urban youth, directed millions in funding, and established two arts exhibits and education facilities. No doubt Russell has sparked the surge in giving among today's hip-hop artists.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry made headlines last year when he donated $1 million to the NAACP, the largest gift from an artist or entertainer to the civil rights organization in commemoration of its 100th anniversary. He stated, "Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am today." Today, his films have grossed over $400 million worldwide, and he has opened the first movie studio owned by an African American.

Denzel Washington

After filming 'The Great Debaters,' a true story set in the 1930s about an African American debate team from Wiley College, the Academy Award-winning actor donated $1 million to the historically black college to re-establish its debate team. Washington also makes his philanthropy a family affair through the establishment of the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience. The award is given to students pursuing training in the field of neuroscience and is presented by the Washington family, which includes their children: John David, Katia, Olivia and Malcolm.

Michael Jackson

The late pop icon Michael Jackson has broken records with music and philanthropy. In addition to having the best-selling album of all time ('Thriller'), he has been recognized in the 'Guinness Book of World Records' as supporting the most charities by a pop star – 39! The King of Pop was among the first entertainers to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and it is estimated that he has donated over $300 million to various foundations. Twenty-five years later, musicians gathered to record a remake of the 1985 hit song 'We Are the World,' a song co-written by Jackson that raised millions for African famine relief.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

In 1991, Magic Johnson made a startling announcement. He had contracted the HIV virus and retired from the NBA shortly thereafter. Since then, he and his wife, Cooki,e have served as advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The Magic Johnson Foundation was founded that same year in an effort to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse urban communities. As president of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has revitalized urban neighborhoods by opening new retail establishments, which has, most importantly, created new jobs.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby and his wife Camille have the distinction of donating one of the largest gifts to a historically black college, giving $20 million to Spelman College in Atlanta for the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center. The charitable couple also donated $1.3 million to Fisk University and founded the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation to support programs that educate young children with learning differences.

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Tracey Webb is the creator and editor of BlackGivesBack.com, a blog dedicated to philanthropy in the black community, and the founder of the Black Benefactors (www.blackbenefactors.org), a Washington, DC-based philanthropic membership network that supports organizations serving African American children, youth and families in the D.C. region.