Amidst the classes of affluence and might, there are Black billionaires few in number but mighty. They built their empire in the world of entertainment, the information sector, money houses, and fashion, shattering glasses and breaking the paths for upcoming generations. Some emerged from poverty, whereas others were opportunistic with exclusive chances that presented themselves. They built monumental empires lasting over time.
These are the 10 youngest Black billionaires in the USA, which this article reveals according to their wealth, industries, and impact.
1. Rihanna (Robyn Fenty) – Age 37 – Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Rihanna is the USA’s youngest Black billionaire because of her business empire in beauty, fashion, and music. Born in Barbados, she first gained fame as a singer but diversified her wealth with Fenty Beauty, her cosmetics firm. Fenty Beauty, which she started in 2017, was a billion-dollar company, with its inclusive makeup products that are appealing to all skin tones receiving widespread acclaim.
She also owns Savage X Fenty, a lingerie firm that is revolutionizing the world of fashion with its size-inclusive designs. Although she still produces music, business has been the primary source of wealth. Rihanna’s influence in popular culture as well as in business makes her an icon for Black entrepreneurs who want to be successful.
2. Kanye West – Age 47 – Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Kanye West made himself an artist but built a business empire far beyond hip-hop. His most successful accomplishment is the Yeezy brand, his fashion line with Adidas, which became one of the world’s most valuable sneaker brands.
Apart from fashion, Kanye has also invested in property, music publishing, and tech. Although his candidness and scandals often take center stage, his ability to turn creativity into wealth cannot be questioned. Even with failures, like cash squabbles with Adidas, his wealth is intact, turning him into a billionaire entrepreneur.
3. Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) – Age 55 – Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Jay-Z is the epitome of turning talent into a billion-dollar empire. From rapper to business mogul, he has made money through music, fashion, liquor, sports management, and real estate.
He established Roc-A-Fella Records, launching his music business. He later branched into Roc Nation, a sports and entertainment company that manages the world’s top athletes and musicians. His liquor venture, D’Ussé cognac and Armand de Brignac champagne, generate millions annually. Jay-Z’s business acumen and diversification into new markets continue to make him richer. His presence extends beyond music, and he is among the most successful Black businesspeople ever.
4. Tyler Perry – Age 55 – Net Worth: $1 Billion
Tyler Perry is a billionaire who revolutionized Black entertainment. He started as a playwright before creating the legendary “Madea” movie franchise, making him a household name.
Perry owns Tyler Perry Studios, an international behemoth of independently owned film studios. His studio produces movies and television shows that center on Black narratives, employing Black actors and filmmakers. Aside from entertainment, Perry is also a philanthropist who donates to housing assistance for the homeless and scholarships for indigent students. His money and influence keep reshaping Hollywood.
5. Michael Jordan – Age 62 – Net Worth: $1.6 Billion
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend, but he’s also a billionaire businessman. The first sportsperson to be worth $1 billion, his wealth primarily comes from Air Jordan, his legendary shoe brand with Nike. The brand remains one of the highest-selling sportswear brands of all time.
Jordan also bought majority control of the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA team, making even more money. Jordan has also invested in various industries, including tech and high-end products. In retirement, the Jordan name continues to carry enormous financial weight, illustrating that the moneymaking power of an athlete can continue long after their active career.
6. Robert F. Smith – Age 62 – Net Worth: $6.7 Billion
Robert F. Smith is the wealthiest Black billionaire in America, but few others on this list accumulated their wealth like him from entertainment or sports. Instead, he amassed his wealth in finance and technology.
He started Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that works with software investments. The company manages billions of assets and helps technology companies grow through strategic investments. Smith is a philanthropist as well. He made headlines in 2019 when he paid off the student loan debt of Morehouse College’s entire graduating class. His wealth and generosity make him one of the most influential Black business leaders in the world.
7. Oprah Winfrey – Age 71 – Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul, actress, and philanthropist who built empires in television, books, and film. She entered the public eye as a talk show host but extended her reach through Harpo Productions and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Her investments in media, wellness, and lifestyle have kept her wealth growing. She has also donated millions to charitable causes for education, disaster relief, and social justice. Oprah’s wealth is rivaled only by the legacy she’s created—making the world a better place through her power.
8. David Steward – Age 73 – Net Worth: $3.7 Billion
David Steward is the entrepreneur behind World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading IT service company globally. His company specializes in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, serving Fortune 500 customers and government agencies.
While not as well known as some on this list, Steward’s impact on the tech community is gigantic. His company generates jobs and opportunities for thousands, and he is an outspoken advocate of diversity in business and technology.
9. Robert L. Johnson – Age 79 – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Robert L. Johnson was the first Black billionaire in America. He started Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980, a top media channel for Black culture. In 2001, he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion.
Since then, he has invested in real estate, hotels, and financial services and remained a billionaire. His business ventures and contributions to Black media have left indelible marks on the entertainment industry.
10. Sheila Johnson – Age 76 – Net Worth: $1 Billion
Sheila Johnson co-founded BET with her ex-husband, Robert Johnson. She built her fortune in luxury resorts, real estate, and sports team ownership from BET. She is the first African American woman to own stakes in three professional sports franchises (NBA, NHL, and WNBA).
Besides business, Sheila is a non-profit worker focusing on education and women empowerment. Her success confirms the strength of diversification when it comes to business investment.
Conclusion
The youngest Black billionaires in the USA have made their fortunes through innovative efforts, entrepreneurship, and shrewd investments. They operate in different lines of business, proving that achievement is not merely one-dimensional but rather multi-dimensional.
From entertainment tycoons like Jay-Z and Rihanna to business tycoons like David Steward and Robert F. Smith, these billionaires pave the way for generations to follow to pursue opportunities for wealth-building. Their testimonies prove that wealth is obtainable, regardless of origin.
As more African American businesspeople rise to power, the list of Youngest Black Billionaires will continue to grow, shaping the future of business and culture.
