Zuckerberg told Oprah Winfrey that he picked Newark for the gift "because
I believe in these guys." "These guys" are Republican New Jersey
Gov. Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a Democrat. All three appeared
with Zuckerberg on a live episode Friday of Winfrey's TV show. The Newark
district has been plagued for years by low test scores, poor graduation rates
and crumbling buildings. It was taken over by the state in 1995 after instances
of waste and mismanagement. Zuckerberg, wearing a gray T-shirt, black jacket
and tennis shoes, explained to Winfrey why he chose to make his philanthropic
debut in education. "Why education? Because every child deserves a good
education and right now that's not happening," Zuckerberg said, adding he
wants other children to have the same opportunities he had. Zuckerberg said his
gift is a challenge grant. Booker said he is lining up money from other
foundations, too.
