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Black billionaires have proven that we can achieve true financial freedom once more despite the odds. From private equity and investments to media and entertainment, there’s so much out there for everyone.
In 2021, Forbes released its list of world billionaires with a record of 2,755 billionaires. It’s a jump from the 660 we saw last year. It’s notable that across race, industries, geographic locations, and age, Black entrepreneurs continue proving it’s possible to rise above obstacles and join the group of the world’s esteemed people.
Of the many billionaires on the Forbes list, meet 2021 world’s Black billionaires. This group represents the wealthiest group worldwide.
Oprah Winfrey $2.7 Billion
From small beginnings, media mogul Oprah Winfrey started as a news anchor. Currently, she enjoys massive viewership as one of the most beloved media personalities. With her empire, the OWN television network, and content creation deal with Apple TV, Oprah has worked hard.
She’s also starred in various films, “The Princess and the Frog,” “Selma,” “The Butler,” “Lee Daniels,” “The Color Purple,” and many more.
Tyler Perry $1 Billion
From humble beginnings, a director, playwright, producer, writer, actor, and all-around creator emerged. In the last decade, Tyler Perry rose from an aspiring Hollywood actor to one of the richest men in the much sought-after industry. He has 20 plays, 30 movies, and 30 plays that continue rolling out. Not to mention his Black-owned studio standing on 330 acres piece of land.
Kanye West $1.8 Billion
Kanye West became the second hip hop artist to make it to the Forbes Billionaire list, but he surpassed Jay Z in recent years. Most of his wealth comes from the 100% Yeezy brand. The rest comes from most investments, including his music catalog, publishing rights, G.O.O.D Music record label, and ranches in Wyoming.
Jay Z $1.4 Billion
Jay Z broke the glass ceiling after emerging as hip hop’s first billionaire. However, his wealth continues growing thanks to his many business endeavors. His wealth comes from real estate ventures, art collection, Armand royalties, Roc Nation, and investment from startups such as Sweetgreen and Ethos.
Michael Jordan $1.6 Billion
Michael Jordan remains one of the greatest players of his time. Since retiring, the former NBA player has dedicated his energy towards expanding his billion-dollar fortune. After increasing his ownership stake at the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, Jordan joined the Billionaire club. Sporting News also says he has maintained billionaire status for the past five years.
Mike Adenuga $6.2 Billion
Mike Adenuga became Nigeria’s second richest man through his telecom company, Globacom. He also attributes his wealth to exploring business opportunities across various industries and involving himself in oil production. Mike Adenuga also looks for business interests across Africa.
David Steward $ 3.7 Billion
The chairman and founder of IT provider World Wide Technology attributes his success to encouragement from his father. The IT firm is the most prominent Black-owned company in the United States. His background as a salesman also contributed to his entrepreneurial success.
Strive Masiyiwa $1.5 Billion
The Zimbabwean billionaire’s wealth wasn’t an easy feat to achieve. He had to overcome a protracted government to acquire his billionaire status. He’s featured on Forbes and Africa’s Billionaire’s list. The Zimbabwean established Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in his home country Zimbabwe in 1998. Masiyiwa also serves on Netflix’s board of directors.
Aliko Dangote $11.4 Billion
Considered the wealthiest black person in the world, he’s the founder of Dangote Cement.
He’s the largest cement producer in the African continent and Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer. Aliko Dangote built part of his business empire using a $3000 loan from his uncle. The uncle used to sell and import agricultural products in Nigeria.
Patrice Motsepe $3.1 Billion
The chairperson and founder of African Minerals was the first African to make it to the Forbes billionaire list. He became Africa’s president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), elevating him to the status of a certified soccer boss.
Michael Lee-Chin $1.5 Billion
The philanthropist cum Jamaican-Canadian businessman made his fortune by investing in AIC Limited and National Commercial Bank Jamaica.
Abdulsamad Rabiu $5.2 Billion
The Nigerian conglomerate made his billion-dollar fortune by creating the BUA group. To expand his business empire further, he combined his companies Cement Co and Obu Cement.
Robert F Smith $6Billion
The philanthropist and tech investor is the CEO and founder of Vista Equity Partners. The firm has resolved to invest in software companies. In 2019, Smith’s company made headlines for paying off school fees debt for the whole Morehouse college graduating class.