Jeff Bezos is today a household name globally. He is known in the world of business and technology. Bezos is a man known for big things and big projects. He has yet shown another side to his personality. After his historic space flight, Jeff Bezos have gifted $100 Million to two friends, of who is CNN`s Van Jones.
Though popularly called Van Jones, but more fully known as Anthony Kapel “Van” Jones. He is an American news and political commentator, author, and lawyer. He is the co-founder of several non-profit organizations, a three-time New York Times bestselling author, a CNN host and contributor, and an Emmy Award winner.
Though he is a frequent political commentator on CNN channel, Van Jones was never really known to be a friend of the Bezos until recently. Jones made headlines in 2016 when he cried on live TV program following the electoral victory of the Republican Donald Trump over Hilary clinton of the Democrats.
He also repeated this crying experience apparently as a cry of joy when Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020 for the White House. His political prejudice notwithstanding, Van Jones was reported to have reached out across the aisle to work with the Trump team to formulate a police reform bill.
Besides that list of credits, he is also a co-founder of Dream Corps. According to its website, Dream Corps is a bipartisan organization that works toward police reform. Dream Corps also has a tech arm and green divisions.
Referring to the magnanimity of the Bezos Van Jones was reported to have said “Lauren [Bezos’ partner] and Jeff don’t do nothing small, man, they don’t do anything small, they just don’t do it. They dream big, they love big, and they bet big. And you bet on me, and I appreciate it,”.
The second person who benefited from Jeff Bezos larges of $100 million is chef José Andrés. His full name is José Ramón Andrés Puerta. He is a Spanish chef, restaurateur, and founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. He is often credited with bringing the small plates dining concept to America.
Bezos` gift was unconditional, leaving the beneficiaries the liberty to decide on how to spend or use the money. Bezos` remarked at a press conference that “They can give it all to their own charity,”, “Or they can share the wealth. It is up to them.” He further said at a press conference after his trip to space.
The magnanimous award was given to those who demonstrated courage. Bezos further said “We need unifiers and not vilifiers,”. “We need people who argue hard and act hard for what they believe. But they do that always with civility and never ad hominem attacks. Unfortunately, we live in a world where this is too often not the case. But we do have role models.”
The gifts were called Courage and Civility Awards.
