The wealthiest African American

The wealthiest African American person in the US, according to the 2024 Forbes 400 list, is David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology, with an estimated net worth of $11.4 billion. He is followed by Robert F. Smith, a private equity billionaire, at $10.8 billion. Other prominent Black billionaires include Oprah Winfrey, media mogul; Jay-Z, music entrepreneur; and Michael Jordan, NBA legend and brand icon. 

Top Richest Black Americans 

• David Steward: Founder of World Wide Technology, a global IT services provider. Anchored in faith and ever mindful of their blessings, David and Thelma Steward were inspired to create the Steward Family Foundation in 2013. 
• Robert F. Smith: Founder of Vista Equity Partners, a software-focused private equity firm. Robert F. Smith learned early on about the importance of giving back to his community from the example set by his parents. Robert F. Smith’s Philanthropy!
• Oprah Winfrey: Built a media empire from her popular talk show. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation (OWCF) supports organizations around the world. Oprah Winfrey herself, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation have helped organizations that serve children, families, and communities, with a specific focus on youth education.  OWCF has also provided assistance to similar organizations since 2010.
• Alexander Karp: Cofounder of Palantir Technologies.
• Jay-Z: Music industry entrepreneur and businessman.
• Tyler Perry: Actor, writer, and producer.
• LeBron James: NBA superstar and businessman.
• Tope Awotona: Founder of Calendly.
• Tiger Woods: Professional golfer and brand ambassador.

Black Athletes, entertainers who support and give money back to the community

Many Black athletes and entertainers use their platform and wealth to support the community, with a strong focus on education. Their efforts range from creating foundations and funding scholarships to building schools and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

Athletes

• LeBron James: Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he opened the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, a public school that provides at-risk children and their families with wraparound support. The foundation also helps students earn college scholarships through its partnership with the University of Akron.
• Michael Jordan: Through his Jordan Brand, he pledged $100 million over 10 years to combat systemic racism. A portion of this has gone toward education initiatives, including a $1 million donation to Morehouse College to support its journalism and sports program. The Jordan Brand Wings program also provides scholarships for deserving youth in partnership with UNCF.
• Serena and Venus Williams: In partnership with the USTA Foundation, the sisters created the Williams Family Excellence Program, an initiative focused on providing young people from under-resourced communities with academic support, mentorship, and career pathways. Serena has also built schools in Jamaica and across Africa through the Serena Williams Fund.
• Charles Barkley: A consistent supporter of HBCUs, the NBA commentator has quietly donated $1 million each to at least six HBCUs, including Tuskegee University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.
• Jalen Rose: The former NBA player co-founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in his hometown of Detroit, a charter high school with a college-preparatory curriculum.
• Chris Paul: The NBA player earned his degree from Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, and has become a major advocate. He has donated millions to HBCU initiatives, funded scholarships, and collaborated on documentaries to promote Black colleges. 

Entertainers

• Oprah Winfrey: A graduate of Tennessee State University, Oprah has given over $25 million to her alma mater and other HBCUs over the years. She also founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa to provide a nurturing educational environment for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Jay-Z: Through his Shawn Carter Foundation, Jay-Z and his mother provide scholarships and college preparatory support for students from low-income and underserved communities. In 2025, his company Roc Nation pledged $300 million in scholarships for low-income K-12 students in Philadelphia.
• Beyoncé: Her Bey GOOD foundation awards scholarships to students attending HBCUs. Following her Homecoming concert inspired by HBCU culture, she launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, providing $25,000 scholarships to students at several HBCUs.
• Megan Thee Stallion: After graduating from Texas Southern University with a degree in health administration, the rapper created a scholarship fund for women of color at her alma mater.
• Travis Scott: Through his Cactus Jack Foundation, he launched the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund to support HBCU students on the verge of graduating who are facing financial challenges.
• Denzel Washington: After filming The Great Debaters, the Oscar-winning actor donated $1 million to Wiley College to help re-establish its debate team. He is also a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Tyler Perry: The writer, director, and producer works through his foundation to support education and youth development. He has funded numerous initiatives for underserved youth, including scholarships for graduating seniors.
• John Legend: His Show Me Campaign provides children with access to quality education, and he also supports programs aimed at redesigning learning to better equip students for success. 
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