Latest Forbes richest list shows Black billionaires remain a rare club
Forbes latest list of the world's richest people includes seven titans of finance, media and fashion who make up an even rarer club: African American billionaires.
They include Robert F. Smith, whose $6 billion fortune made in private equity makes him the 451st wealthiest person in the world, media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry as well as rap icons and businessmen Jay Z and Kanye West.
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But while their success looms large, the small number of African Americans among the 2,755 members of the global billionaire’s club also highlights a racial wealth gap that can have significant consequences for those with far fewer resources--from the ability to buy a home to being able to go to college without becoming mired in debt.
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Here are the richest African Americans and where they rank on the list of the world's billionaires.
Robert F. Smith
Net Worth: $6 billion
Age: 58
Business: Private equity, finance, investments
Global Ranking: 451
David Steward
Net worth: $3.7 billion
Age: 69
Business: IT provider
Global Ranking: 807
Oprah Winfrey
Net worth: $2.7 billion
Age: 67
Business: media and entertainment
Global Ranking: 1,174
Kanye West
Net Worth: $1.8 billion
Age: 43
Business: Music, Yeezy sneakers, fashion, retail
Global Ranking: 1,750
Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $1.6 billion
Age: 58
Business: Charlotte Hornets, endorsements
Global ranking: 1,931
Jay-Z
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Age: 51
Business: Media, entertainment
Global Ranking: 2,141
Tyler Perry
Net Worth: $1.0 billion
Age: 51
Business: Movies, television, entertainment
Global Ranking: 2,674
Source: Forbes