Top 5 Black Billionaires Who Made The Forbes List In 2024

Forbes’ 2009 Billionaires list highlighted the wealth of Black Americans, featuring Oprah Winfrey as the sole billionaire with $2.7 billion.

Other notable figures included Robert Johnson of BET ($550 million), Michael Jordan ($525 million), and Magic Johnson ($500 million).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in 2024, a new generation of Black billionaires has emerged, showcasing remarkable innovation and impact across industries.

Wemimo Abbey

Wemimo Abbey, co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, is transforming financial inclusion. Esusu, a fintech startup, enables renters to build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus. With services in over 20,000 properties benefiting 1.8 million Americans, Esusu launched MyEsusu, a direct-to-consumer credit monitoring product. In 2022, the company achieved a $1 billion valuation after raising $130 million. Abbey’s previous experience includes roles at PWC and co-founding a data analytics startup.

Iman Abuzeid

Iman Abuzeid, co-founder of Incredible Health, has reshaped healthcare hiring. Initially trained as a doctor in London, Abuzeid transitioned to consulting before founding the platform in 2017. Incredible Health streamlines recruitment for healthcare professionals and achieved a $1.65 billion valuation by 2022. Forbes recognized Abuzeid among the top 100 Self-Made Women in America in 2024, cementing her as a pioneering Black female entrepreneur.

Joshua Aviv

Joshua Aviv, CEO of SparkCharge, began his journey in a dorm room at Syracuse University. SparkCharge, which develops portable chargers for electric vehicles, has raised $59 million since its inception in 2017. A breakthrough moment came in 2020 when the company secured a $1 million investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.

Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona, founder and CEO of Calendly, revolutionized scheduling software out of frustration with inefficiencies. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Awotona funded Calendly by cashing his 401(k) in 2013. By 2021, the platform was valued at $3 billion, with Awotona’s personal net worth reaching $1.4 billion.

Melissa Bradley

Melissa Bradley, founder of 1863 Ventures, champions wealth creation for women and communities of color. Her venture fund aims to generate $100 billion in Black wealth by 2030. Bradley’s career includes roles in the Obama Administration and pioneering initiatives like 1863 Ventures to support underrepresented entrepreneurs.

These leaders exemplify the power of innovation and resilience, paving the way for generational wealth and societal transformation.

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