Celebrity Star Power Shines on Africa

Sept. 14, 2006 — -- Not since 1985's rallying call of "We Are the World" have American celebrities responded so enthusiastically to the woes of Africa and its people.

But there are differences.

Back then, it was the heart-wrenching image of starving Ethiopians in the grip of famine that moved marquee performers to action.

Now the problems come from all corners of a continent wracked by murderous civil war, epidemic levels of HIV/AIDS infection and death, poverty, and famine.

Today, a growing star-studded army intent on making a difference heeds the clarion call.

Among the ranks: George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and Gwyneth Paltrow, Bono, Madonna, Alicia Keys, and Oprah Winfrey.

And there are many more.

"It's not that there is more interest on behalf of celebrities for Africa," said Thomas Reynolds of the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere.

"What's new is they're actually moving beyond leveraging their name for pr [public relations] opportunities. They're actually taking action and being more strategic."

Perhaps no one has been more strategic than Oscar-winning actress Jolie.

She is so effective in her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees that she routinely opens doors that have been shut to diplomats and experts.

Traversing Africa with the focus and energy of the action hero Lara Croft, she advocates for the poor and powerless in Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia, where she gave birth to daughter Shiloh Nouvel this spring.

Shiloh's birth has proven to be an economic boom for Namibia -- tourism increased after Pitt and Jolie stayed there and the couple donated $300,000 for hospital maternity equipment.

"We recognize that 2 million babies born every year in the developing world die on the first day of their lives," said a statement from the couple.

"These children can be saved, but only if governments around the world make it a priority."

Jolie and Pitt then sold the much-anticipated first photos of Shiloh for a reported $4 million and made additional donations.