Breaking Down Barriers: Four Black Women Make Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women List
In a milestone moment for women's empowerment and representation, four trailblazing Black women have made it onto Forbes' annual list of the richest self-made women in the United States. Among them are music icons Beyoncé and Rihanna, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and entrepreneur Sheila Johnson.A Record-Breaking Achievement
This year's list features 43 women who have built their fortunes from scratch, with a combined net worth of over $1 trillion. While the number of self-made billionaires is on the rise, it's remarkable to see four Black women making history alongside them. According to Forbes' methodology, these women had to have substantially made their own fortunes in the U.S. and/or be permanent residents, without inheriting their wealth.
Beyoncé and Rihanna: Music to Their Ears
Music industry powerhouses Beyoncé and Rihanna are tied at No. 39 on the list, each with a net worth of $1 billion. Beyoncé's impressive earnings come from her successful touring as a solo artist and as part of Destiny's Child, including her record-breaking 'Cowboy Carter Tour' that generated $450 million. Meanwhile, Rihanna's Fenty Beauty empire has catapulted her to self-made billionaire status.
Oprah Winfrey: A Media Mogul
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey ranks No. 16 on the list as the richest self-made Black woman in America. With a net worth of $3.2 billion, she has seen her wealth rise from $2.3 billion in 2023. Since ending her talk show in 2011, Oprah has expanded her brand into television production and more, including selling her network OWN to Warner Bros in 2020.
Sheila Johnson: A Businesswoman with a Vision
Entrepreneur Sheila Johnson is another trailblazer on the list. After divorcing her husband Bob Johnson, co-founder of BET, she sold her shares and built wealth through a portfolio of hotels, real estate, and horses. With a net worth of $1.2 billion, she owns stakes in several sports teams, including the WNBA's Mystics and the NBA's Wizards.
The inclusion of these four Black women on Forbes' list is a testament to their hard work, determination, and innovative spirit. As we celebrate this milestone achievement, it's essential to recognize that there are more women breaking barriers and building wealth every day. With over 700 self-made billionaires in the U.S., the number of women having a say in the number of billionaires is on the rise – and it's only a matter of time before more Black women join their ranks.
#Lifestyle #Forbes #Oprah #Rihanna #Featured #Beyoncé
