Black Entrepreneurs

Black EntrepreneursTennis champion sisters Serena and Venus Williams
Many will agree that one of the darkest issues in theare some of the top seeds in the world. And of
history of humanity is slavery and racial discrimination.course, probably the most recognizable basketball
Slavery may have been important in the constructionplayer in the world, considered as one of the best in
of development of the newly established Americanhistory, Michael Jordan. And just recently, Jamaican
colonies in the new world, but equality and humansprinter Usain Bolt became one of the most decorated
rights eventually won—thus, winning former slavesOlympian in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Most of the
their rights as citizens of a country that they helpedrenowned black athletes have gained recognition not
build. It was a price that was heavily paid for by almostonly in athletics but as black entrepreneurs as well.
everyone in a country that promotes liberty for all.The Black Entertainers
After their emancipation, African-Americans still had toProbably one of the most influential fields in the world is
endure decades of racial discrimination andthe entertainment industry. Black entertainers also have
segregation. However, with their sheer determination,gained recognition in the entertainment field. For one,
their upheld on the principles of human rights, naturalOprah Winfrey, one of the richest black entrepreneurs
talent, and perseverance, they have helped shape thein the world, is considered as the most influential
image of the United States of America as a land ofwoman in the entertainment industry. And for years,
countless opportunities and great power. For decadesthe melodies that we have been hearing have come
now, numerous blacks have marked their names andfrom black entertainers, either black groups or solos.
have contributed greatly on the development of theirBlack actors have also graced both the silver and the
fields—the arts, the academe, the sciences, culture,small screens of their countries, gaining worldwide
sports, politics, business, and the economy, amongrecognition as celebrities.
others.The Black Businesspersons
Black entrepreneurs have helped shape the
The world of sports has always been a great venueeconomies of their countries and also inspire people
to showcase talent. Particularly in the United States ofwith their endeavors. Christopher Gardner, one of the
America, sports is not just a form of physical activity, itfamous black entrepreneurs, have inspired many with
is a venue for entertainment. Many great athleteshis life story and struggles, as shown in the film "The
have considerable recognition even outside their field.Pursuit of Happyness," which was based on
There are many black athletes who have becomeGarder’s autobiography. The list of successful
household names through the years. Since, Jackieblack entrepreneurs would seem endless. Notable
Robinson of the American Major League broke theblack entrepreneurs include Aliko Dangote, Robert
racial barriers in baseball, leading to racial equality andJohnson, Marcus Garvey, Maggie Walker, Ken Bridges,
the other sports, many black athletes have came upRussell Simmons, Susan L. Taylor, and Oprah Winfrey,
as some of the world’s greatest. Among the list, ofamong others. The achievements of black
course, is Muhammad Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, Jr.,entrepreneurs around the world have proved greatly
who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxersthat there are no racial boundaries in entrepreneurship.
of all time. World golfing champion Tiger Woods hasBlack entrepreneurs have shown what equality is, and
gained international recognition as a golfing genius.that includes equal opportunities to succeed.