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20 Most Famous Black Entrepreneurs of All Times

Black entrepreneurs have made a huge impact on the world. These entrepreneurs have achieved success by founding and leading successful businesses, creating innovative products and services, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. 

 These entrepreneurs have transformed their industries and have made a lasting impact on their communities. Additionally, they have shown that success is achievable regardless of race, gender, or economic background. Here are some of the 20 Most Famous Black Entrepreneurs of All Time to know;

1. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a household name in the United States, as well as a successful black entrepreneur. She began her career as a television host, but her success has extended far beyond that. She has created her own production company, Harpo, and has produced and starred in numerous television shows and movies.

Not only is she also the founder of the Oprah Winfrey Network but also the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Winfrey is an inspiration to many, and her success demonstrates the possibilities for success that are available to black entrepreneurs.

2. Madam C.J. Walker

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Madam C.J. Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political activist who rose from poverty to become the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. She was the founder of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, which sold beauty and hair products specifically for African American women.

In addition to her business success, Walker was an active civil rights advocate and donated money to charities and civil rights organizations. She also supported the NAACP and was a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans. Walker’s success as an entrepreneur and civil rights activist served as a source of inspiration for many and she remains a role model for many African American women today.

 3. Robert L. Johnson

Robert L. Johnson is an American businessman and media mogul. He is best known as the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) which he established in 1980. Johnson made history as the first African-American billionaire in the United States and is often credited as the first black billionaire in the world.

 Johnson has since ventured into other industries, including hospitality, finance, real estate, and sports. He is the founder and chairman of RLJ Companies, a holding company that owns and operates businesses in hospitality, financial services, real estate, and entertainment. Johnson is also the founder of The RLJ Companies, which includes several businesses, including the RLJ Lodging Trust and RLJ Equity Partners. He has served on the boards of several major companies, including Ford Motor Company and The Home Depot, and is a member of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.

4. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is a legendary basketball player, six-time NBA champion, and a successful entrepreneur. He is the owner of the NBA鈥檚 Charlotte Hornets and the principal owner of NASCAR鈥檚 23XI Racing. Through his Jordan Brand, he has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of sports and fashion.

 Jordan is also the first African American majority owner in the NBA. He is a strong advocate for social justice and has used his platform to speak out against racism and push for reform. He has been a role model to many and has inspired a generation of black entrepreneurs.

5. Jay-Z

By Jay-Z_@_Shawn_’Jay-Z’_Carter_Foundation_Carnival_02.jpg:Wikipedia

Jay-Z is one of the most successful black entrepreneurs of all time. He is a successful rapper, record producer, businessman, and investor. When it comes to business ventures, he has founded several successful businesses, including the record label Roc-A-Fella Records, and the entertainment company, Roc Nation.

 With his power, he uses his business acumen to invest in various startups and other companies and has become a powerhouse in the music and entertainment industry. Additionally, he is also a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to charities, including the Shawn Carter Foundation. Jay-Z is an inspiring example of what can be achieved by hard work, dedication, and ambition.

6. Sean Combs

Sean Combs is a renowned black entrepreneur and music mogul. He is best known for his hip-hop record label Bad Boy Records, which he founded in 1993. Combs has since gone on to create and executive produce several successful television shows, including Making the Band and Star Maker.

He has also founded his clothing line Sean John, and his vodka brand Ciroc. Combs also produced the Broadway musical A Raisin in the Sun and founded a charity organization, Daddy’s House Social Programs. Combs has been recognized for his business accomplishments, including being named one of Time magazine鈥檚 100 Most Influential People in the World and being awarded an honorary doctorate from Howard University.

7. John H. Johnson

John H. Johnson was a black entrepreneur who founded the Johnson Publishing Company in 1942. He was a pioneer in the black media industry, and his company published magazines such as Ebony and Jet. His company also published books and owned a radio station.

 Johnson was a driving force behind the success of the civil rights movement and a major supporter of the NAACP. He was a powerful advocate for the African-American community, and his influence extended beyond the media. He was also a philanthropist, donating millions to charities and causes throughout his life.

8. Tyler Perry

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Tyler Perry is a renowned African American entrepreneur, filmmaker, actor, and philanthropist. He is most well-known for his Madea character, which has been featured in multiple films, plays, and television shows. Perry has become a major success in the entertainment industry, with a net worth of over $600 million.

He has also been a major advocate for African Americans in the entertainment industry, using his platform to create opportunities for African American actors, actresses, and directors. In addition, Perry has also been a major philanthropist, providing financial support to various charities and organizations. He has also been an active voice in the fight for civil rights and social justice.

9. Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who is best known for co-founding the music label Def Jam Recordings and the fashion label Phat Farm. He is credited with pioneering the hip-hop and urban fashion scenes in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He is also the founder of the RushCard and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Simmons has a long history of supporting civil rights causes and has been a leader in the black community in terms of creating economic opportunities and providing support for entrepreneurs. Simmons has also been a vocal advocate for social justice, fighting for criminal justice reform, addressing financial disparities, and advocating for racial equality.

10. Janice Bryant Howroyd

Janice Bryant Howroyd is an African-American entrepreneur and businesswoman. She is the founder and CEO of Act鈥�1 Group, the first woman-owned and African-American-owned billion-dollar company in the United States.

 She is also the first African-American woman to own a billion-dollar business. She is a member of the National Women鈥檚 Business Council, the National Advisory Board of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Minority Business Development Agency.

Howroyd has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including being named one of the 鈥淢ost Powerful Women in Business鈥� by Fortune magazine, one of the 鈥淭op 25 Women of Influence鈥� by Black Enterprise magazine, and one of the 鈥淢ost Influential Business Leaders鈥� by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

11. Quincy Jones

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Quincy Jones is a renowned black entrepreneur, producer, and music executive. He has been influential in the music industry since the 1960s, producing music for some of the top sellers in the industry such as Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra.

Jones has won 27 Grammy Awards and has been nominated for over 70. He has also founded a record label, a production company, and a charity foundation. He has also been a successful entrepreneur, starting several businesses including a talent agency, a film production company, and a magazine. Jones has been a powerful voice for social justice and a pioneer in the music industry, helping to break down racial barriers and creating opportunities for black artists.

12. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is a former American professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After retiring from the NBA in 1991, Johnson established himself as a successful entrepreneur, particularly in the fields of entertainment, film, and food services.

He is a well-known spokesperson for HIV/AIDS awareness, having been diagnosed with HIV in 1991. Johnson has been a major advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and awareness, and has opened several HIV/AIDS clinics in urban and rural areas throughout the United States.

13. Daymond John

Daymond John is not only known for being an  American entrepreneur, investor, television personality, author, and motivational speaker. But he is also best known as the founder, president, and CEO of the urban apparel company FUBU, and for his appearances as an investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank.

He has received multiple awards and honors for his entrepreneurial success, including a Black Enterprise Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a Brand week Marketer of the Year Award, and the NAACP Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2016, Daymond was appointed as the Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship by President Obama.

14. Steve Harvey

By Angela George,

Steve Harvey is an American comedian, television host, producer, radio personality, actor, and author. He is best known for hosting the game show Family Feud, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and his eponymous talk show Steve Harvey.

Harvey is considered a successful entrepreneur after he started his own production company and cloth line. As a black entrepreneur, he has been an advocate for minority-owned businesses and has encouraged other minorities to pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship.

 15.D r. Dre

Dr. Dre is an iconic American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. He is widely credited as one of the most influential figures in the rap and hip-hop industry and is one of the highest-selling music artists of all time.

His success was brought by Beats Electronics, the headphones, speakers, and audio brand, and Aftermath Entertainment, the record label that he founded. Worldwide he is celebrated as a black entrepreneur and is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs of color.

16. T.D. Jakes

By T.D. Jakes Ministries,

T.D. Jakes is an influential black entrepreneur and pastor. He is the founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a multi-ethnic non-denominational megachurch in Dallas, Texas. He is not only the CEO of TDJ Enterprises, a media and entertainment company but also a popular motivational speaker and mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Jakes has written numerous books, produced multiple films, and hosted a television talk show. His efforts to empower and develop black entrepreneurs have been recognized,  including promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

17. Cathy Hughes

Cathy Hughes is a prominent black entrepreneur, radio executive, and founder of Radio One, Inc. She is one of the most successful African American media moguls and has paved the way for other black entrepreneurs in the media industry.

She created Radio One, which has become the largest radio company targeting African American audiences in the United States and has expanded into television and digital media. In addition, to her being credited with revolutionizing the radio industry and having won numerous awards for her achievements she is also a philanthropist and has worked to empower and uplift her community.

18. Dr. Mae Jemison

Dr. Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and entrepreneur who was the first African-American woman to travel in space. She not only had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors and is the founder of the Jemison Group but also she is a sought-after speaker on topics such as space exploration, education, and science, and she continues to inspire generations of women and African-Americans to break boundaries and pursue their dreams.

19. Will Smith

By TechCrunch –

Will Smith is an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most successful black entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry. Not only did Smith star in numerous blockbuster films and TV shows,  but he has also produced several films and TV shows  Additionally, he has created several successful business ventures, such as Overbrook Entertainment, a film and television Production Company, and Treyball Development, a real estate company.

20 . Aliko Dangote