The history of black entrepreneurship in the United States is a long and inspiring one. Despite facing many obstacles due to systemic racism, African Americans have been able to achieve success as entrepreneurs for centuries.
From Madam C.J. Walker, who was America’s first self-made female millionaire, to Oprah Winfrey, the world’s first African American billionaire; these individuals are just a few examples of how hard work and dedication can lead to great accomplishments even in an environment that may not be favorable towards their efforts.
Today, there are many successful black entrepreneurs who continue this legacy by creating innovative businesses and inspiring others with their stories of success despite overwhelming odds against them.
Here is a list featuring some of the most successful black entrepreneurs in the United States today:
Daymond John
Daymond John is the founder and CEO of FUBU, a popular clothing brand. He is also an investor on the popular reality show Shark Tank and has written several books about entrepreneurship. He is one of the most accomplished black entrepreneurs in America because of his business acumen and investment knowledge.
Robert Smith
Robert Smith is the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. He was also named one of Forbes Magazine’s “America’s Richest Self-Made Billionaires.” In 2019 he made history by becoming the first African American to sign the Giving Pledge, committing to give at least half of his wealth to philanthropic causes.
Damon Dash
Damon Dash is an entrepreneur and music mogul who co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records along with Shawn Carter (Jay Z). He has also founded a number of other successful businesses including DD172, a media incubator, and Poppington, an art gallery. Dash is a great example of black entrepreneurship as he has been able to build a successful career through creative thinking and bold business decisions.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most successful black entrepreneurs in the world. She is best known for her widely popular talk show, which ran for 25 years and was seen by millions of people around the world. In addition to her success as a media mogul, she has also invested in several other businesses including her own television network, OWN.
Kanye West
Kanye West is a hip hop artist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. He started his career as a music producer before launching his own record label and clothing line called Yeezy. Although controversial in many ways recently, his businesses have earned him the title of one of the most successful black entrepreneurs in the world.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson is an actor best known for her roles in films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hidden Figures. She is also an entrepreneur and the founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which seeks to reduce stigma around mental health in the African American community. In 2019, she launched a hair care line called TPH by Taraji.
Janice Bryant Howroyd
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of the ActOne Group, the largest female-owned staffing agency in the United States. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in entrepreneurship, including being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, but he is also a successful entrepreneur. He owns the Charlotte Hornets NBA team and has his own line of apparel and footwear called Nike Air Jordans. His success as an entrepreneur shows that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Sheila Johnson
Sheila Johnson is the founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel chain with properties located across the United States. She has also founded several other successful enterprises including BET Networks and The Washington Mystics WNBA team. In addition to her business ventures, Johnson is committed to philanthropic causes and sits on a number of boards dedicated to social justice and education.
These are just some of the most successful black entrepreneurs in America today. Their stories are inspiring examples of how anyone can make their dreams a reality with ambition, hard work, and dedication. It is clear that there is no limit to what African Americans can achieve when given the opportunity to succeed.
