This February is indeed special. Even though Black History Month 2022: Most famous Black Entrepreneurs is considered here, this year’s theme is centered on “Black Health and Wellness”. In other words, the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in various medicine like western, naturopaths, and herbalists throughout the African diaspora is being explored.
February was first designated as Black History Month in 1976 with an endorsed theme. Since then, every American president has continued the tradition.
The Most Famous Black Entrepreneurs
If you thought being among the minority is a handicap that closes the doors of opportunities to succeed, think again. Against the odds, you can indeed succeed. Some of the most famous black entrepreneurs have proved this. Incidentally, they are also the most successful. Here are some of them.
David Steward
Talking about against all odds, David Steward’s car was repossessed while he watched from his office parking lot. As of 2018, with a quoted net worth of $3.4 billion, Forbes named him a billionaire. Furthermore, he is the founder and chairman of one of the largest black-owned businesses in America. You can check out the IT provider company – World Wide Technology.
Oprah Winfrey
Now, Oprah Winfrey is well known in the entertainment and news industry. But, she is even more popular for her hit talk show that she has morphed into a business empire. In 2003, she appeared on Forbes billionaire list with a $1 billion net worth. Her current net worth is over $2.7 billion.
Interestingly, she is the first black female billionaire – No. 427 on Forbes list of billionaires.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan may be the most popular former NBA player, but he started from ground zero. Did you know he started by joining a college athletics team? Yes, he did. Thereafter, he began to play on a professional level.
This goes to show that you can study in college and university and still have great opportunities to become famous. After all, Michael Jordan is not just one of the NBA’s greatest players; he is the highest-paid athlete
Meanwhile, Michael owes his great success not just due to his talents but also to his desire and motivation. Today, he is the owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team. The brand is famous for partnering with other leading companies.
Moreover, his majority stake with his brand and a Nike shoe deal contributed to making him a feature in Forbes billionaire list in 2015. He has over $1.9 billion net worth.
Jay-Z
Now, you may not like rap music but you have to respect Jay-Z’s commitment. Since 1995 when he hit the hip-pop scene and founded his first musical company, he has expanded his business. His $1 billion fortune includes businesses in art, real estate, and liquor. Forbes first listed him as a billionaire in 2019.
Madam C.J. Walker
Remarkably, Madam C.J. Walker is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. That should be enough reason to make this list even though she was born in 1867. She also holds the record as the first American woman millionaire.
Her brand was quite successful and popular in the cosmetics and hair care products industry. She targeted African American women.
Other names
There are other names that should make this Black History Month 2022: Most famous Black Entrepreneurs list. They include:
Sean John Combs: who you may know as P Diddy is a popular musician. However, he began his entrepreneurship career earlier. He has worked as a talent director with many notable musicians like Mary J. Blige, and Notorious B.I.G.
Maggie Lena Walker – the first woman to own a bank in the United States in 1903.
And several others.
They are not only famous for their success but for their stellar examples of commitment, discipline, and development.
