Alicia Keys Honors Oprah Winfrey, Raises $1.3 Million at ‘Keep A Child Alive’ Black Ball

Congratulations are in order! Last night, at her annual ‘Keep A Child Alive’ Black Ball, Alicia Keys raised over $1.3 million. Alicia’s charity event, which assists those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India, was held Thursday night at the Apollo Theater. The evening was emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, with performances by Alicia, Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard.

During a red carpet interview, Alicia explained:

“There are places in the world where Keep a Child Alive serves where they have a Hurricane Sandy every day. They don’t have electricity, they don’t have heat … and that made me more invigorated to make sure this Black Ball happened.”

Alicia also honored Oprah Winfrey at the event for her philanthropic efforts, including her school, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. During her acceptance speech, Oprah stated:

“You try to keep a child alive and I try to educate them as best as I can. When I look at Africans girls I see myself,” 58-year-old Winfrey said. “I continue to work for them to have the same opportunities that I have. “

[AP]