Top 10 America’s Richest Black People in 2024
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The landscape of America’s richest Black individuals encompasses many sectors, with a significant portion of their fortunes rooted in sports and entertainment. As of 2024, the combined net worth of these trailblazers stands at an impressive $31.3 billion.
While this figure is noteworthy, it represents a mere fraction—roughly one-seventh—of the staggering $225.4 billion net worth of Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual according to Forbes‘ real-time billionaires list as of January 2024.
In 2023, the United States boasted the highest number of billionaires globally, with 735 Americans making the list. However, among the world’s top 1,000 wealthiest individuals, only two are Black African Americans, highlighting a significant disparity in wealth distribution.
Here’s a closer look at America’s richest Black people as of January 21, 2024:
Robert F. Smith – Net Worth: $9.2 Billion
At 61, Smith reigns as America’s richest Black American with his $9.2 billion fortune amassed through his private equity firm, Vista Equity Partners. His global wealth rank of 244 underscores his influence in the financial sector.
David Steward – Net Worth: $7.6 Billion
Steward, 72, has built his $7.6 billion fortune in the IT industry as the founder of World Wide Technology. His global wealth rank of 316 attests to his success and impact as one of America’s richest.
Michael Jordan – Net Worth: $3 Billion
The basketball legend turned business mogul, Jordan, 60, has a net worth of $3 billion, owning the Charlotte Hornets and capitalizing on endorsements. His global wealth rank of 1041 reflects his lasting legacy in sports and business.
Oprah Winfrey – Net Worth: $2.8 Billion
Media titan Winfrey, 69, boasts a net worth of $2.8 billion, with her influence extending from television to philanthropy. Her global wealth rank of 1123 highlights her enduring presence in the entertainment world.
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Jay-Z – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
At 54, Jay-Z’s diverse ventures in music and business have earned him a net worth of $2.5 billion. His global wealth rank of 1236 showcases his prowess in both fields.
Alexander Karp – Net Worth: $1.9 Billion
Karp, 56, co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, has a net worth of $1.9 billion, reflecting the growing importance of technology in wealth creation. His global wealth rank of 1583 underscores his impact in the software industry.
Tope Awotona – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
At 42, Awotona, founder and CEO of Calendly, has quickly risen in the software industry with a net worth of $1.2 billion. His global wealth rank of 2282 highlights his rapid success as a young entrepreneur.
Tiger Woods – Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
Golf icon Woods, 48, has transcended the sport to amass a net worth of $1.1 billion, with a global wealth rank of 2457 showcasing his commercial triumphs.
LeBron James – Net Worth: $1 Billion
Basketball superstar James, 39, has reached the billion-dollar mark through his career and endorsements, with a global wealth rank of 2477 illustrating his influence in sports.
Tyler Perry – Net Worth: $1 Billion
Filmmaker and media mogul Perry, 54, has carved a niche in entertainment with a net worth of $1 billion. His global wealth rank of 2530 reflects his success and impact in the industry.
These America’s richest black people represent the pinnacle of financial success and embody the diverse avenues through which Black Americans are shaping the American economic landscape.
