Facebook Founder to Give $100 Million to Newark, NJ, Schools on 'Oprah' Show: PR or Real Love?

Mark Zuckerberg and Oprah
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is about to make a mega gift -- $100 million, to be exact -- to Newark, N.J., public schools. And he's not exactly keeping his gift hush-hush either.

In fact, the 26-year-old Zuckerberg is announcing his philanthropic donation on none other than 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' on Friday. Oprah herself recently gave $1 million to charter schools in California.

Some may question Zuckerberg's motivation, seeing that he hasn't been so high profile in his giving in the past, and his announcement about this big gift comes on the very day that a movie about Zuckerberg is launching.

That movie, called 'The Social Network' debuts at the New York Film Festival on Friday. It's said to portray Zuckerberg in a not-so-friendly light and suggests that he stole the idea for Facebook from other Harvard students.


Regardless of his motivation for giving and the timing of his donation, this large windfall can translate into positive opportunities for Newark's school district and its students. That's why Zuckerberg is expected to be joined by Newark Mayor Corey Booker, as well as the Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie.


Related:
+Oprah Donates $1 Million to California Charter Schools
+Federal Inmate Sued for Suing Stevie Wonder, Michael Vick


Let's hope they manage that money well, and put it toward great educational programming and activities that will increase the academic outcomes for Newark's student population.

What do you think about Zuckerberg's gift? Is it a heartfelt gesture or a PR strategy?



Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, an award-winning financial news journalist and former Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC, has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, and the New York Times, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Black Enterprise and Smart Money. Check out her New York Times best seller 'Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom.'

Comments: (4)

Add a comment

Page 1 of 1

Add a Comment

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed but they are required to confirm your comments. When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password."

Most Commented Articles

Daily Drama

The Best Clips From TV's Hottest Shows


More Daily Drama >>

Find a Message Board

Discover conversations on everyone from Barack to Beyonce. There are nearly 50 forums, so click on a category below and find the right one for you.