In the year 2024, a significant number of Black entrepreneurs, actors, investors, and innovators continue to make significant gains in wealth accumulation in America, with some reaching new heights of financial success. Here’s a look at the top 10 richest Black billionaires in America:
1. Robert F. Smith
- Net Worth: $9.2 Billion
- Industry: Private Equity
Robert F. Smith, Chief of Vista Equity Partners tops the list in Black billionaires in America as the richest among blacks in America. Smith’s company is a pioneer in the buy-and-build strategy for software and technology-enabled businesses, delivering outsized returns through acquiring strategically-matched companies and applying operational best practices. Aside from his success in business, Smith has become a powerful philanthropist in the world of education and social justice. And he is also famous for announcing the pay off student loan debt for Morehouse College’s graduating class in the year of 2019. His Global wealth rank is 244
2. David Steward
- Net Worth: $7.6 Billion
- Field: Information Technology
David Steward is the chairman and co-founder of World Wide Technology (WWT). His company is among the biggest Black-owned businesses globally that delivers inventive technology and supply chain solutions to major private sector corporations. Under Steward’s leadership, WWT has become a multi-billion-dollar organization and one of the most powerful individuals in IT. His Global wealth rank is 316
3. Michael Jordan
- Net Worth: $3 Billion
- Sector: Sports & Investments
Former basketball player Michael Jordan continued his successful journey in the business segment as well. Basketball Legend has ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets, and he lucrative endorsements deal with Novant Health and other global brands. That brings him prominent billionaire status. Jordan not only extends his influence into sports, but also has influence in industries through investments and brands. His Global wealth rank is 1041
4. Oprah Winfrey
- Net Worth: $2.8 Billion
- Field: Media & Entertainment
Household name Oprah Winfrey built an empire from her famous talk show. She also made businesses in film production and publishing. Winfrey Harpo Productions is the next best production line for television and film projects, with big hits such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Her fortune, boosted by investments in Weight Watchers and other ventures. She is now one of the most powerful women in the media. Her Global wealth rank is 1,123
5. Jay-Z
- Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
- Field: Music and Business Ventures
Shawn Carter, professionally known as Jay-Z is a rapper and business owner. His vast business empire includes investments in streaming (Tidal), sports management (Roc Nation Sports), and luxury liquor brands, including Armand de Brignac and D’Ussé. So while Jay-Z has made some smart business moves of late, the well-executed deals have all played off his biggest victory in the game – making billions. His Global wealth rank is 1,236
6. Alexander Karp
- Net Worth: $1.9 Billion
- Industry: Technology
Alexander Karp is CEO and co-founder of big data company Palantir Technologies. Palantir Technology specializes in data integration and analysis with its software used by governments, intelligence agencies, and healthcare organizations among many others. Alexander Karp is a key player in the tech industry globally. Karp’s different approach to business model made his company expand globally and made him a billionaire in the technology sector. His Global wealth rank is 1,583
7. Tope Awotona
- Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
- Industry: Software
Tope Awotona, founder of Calendly, is an easy-to-use platform that quickly gained dominance as the major software company for businesses and professionals. Tope Awotona became a billionaire, with the success of his Calendly which gave him power in the software innovation segment. His Global wealth rank is 2,282
8. Tiger Woods
- Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
- Target Audience: 16-24 Sports & Endorsement Industry
Tiger Woods is one of the best and richest golfers in history, because of his successful Golf sports journey. Despite losing many endorsements, he has remained both a wealthy and relevant figure in golf thanks to big-money deals with Nike and other major sports companies. Tiger Woods’s business ventures include a golf-centric brand that puts him on this billionaire list. His Global wealth rank is 2,457.
9. LeBron James
- Net Worth: $1 Billion
- Field: Sports & Entertainment
Known as the best player in the NBA, LeBron James has managed successfully his skills on some very smart business moves. This includes ownership stakes in sports teams, a media company (SpringHill Entertainment), and endorsements with global brands. James’ clout in the entertainment world and business world made him a successful person. . His Global wealth rank is 2,477
10. Tyler Perry
- Net Worth: $1 Billion
- Industry: Film and Television
Tyler Perry is an filmmaker, playwright and actor, he created his entire media empire from scratch. He is the owner of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, one of the largest film production facilities sitting on a sprawling 330 acres. Tyler Perry holds full control and ownership that allows him to retain maximum profit in the company autonomy. He has the ability to create highly relatable content that connects with a broad base of viewers, Perry has gone on to become one the successful authors and most lucrative filmmakers out there. . His Global wealth rank is 2,530
These people are on top of their games, having reached new heights and set new standards for riches and influence in America. Their accomplishments illuminate a wide range of opportunities in the fields of technology, entertainment, sports, and business, which will influence future generations to strive for the same level of success.
