Black Entrepreneurs

Black Entrepreneurs

Many will agree that one of the darkest issues in the history of humanity is slavery and racial discrimination. Slavery may have been important in the construction of development of the newly established American colonies in the new world, but equality and human rights eventually won—thus, winning former slaves their rights as citizens of a country that they helped build. It was a price that was heavily paid for by almost everyone in a country that promotes liberty for all. After their emancipation, African-Americans still had to endure decades of racial discrimination and segregation. However, with their sheer determination, their upheld on the principles of human rights, natural talent, and perseverance, they have helped shape the image of the United States of America as a land of countless opportunities and great power. For decades now, numerous blacks have marked their names and have contributed greatly on the development of their fields—the arts, the academe, the sciences, culture, sports, politics, business, and the economy, among others.

The Black Athletes

The world of sports has always been a great venue to showcase talent. Particularly in the United States of America, sports is not just a form of physical activity, it is a venue for entertainment. Many great athletes have considerable recognition even outside their field. There are many black athletes who have become household names through the years. Since, Jackie Robinson of the American Major League broke the racial barriers in baseball, leading to racial equality and the other sports, many black athletes have came up as some of the world’s greatest. Among the list, of course, is Muhammad Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, Jr., who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. World golfing champion Tiger Woods has gained international recognition as a golfing genius. Tennis champion sisters Serena and Venus Williams are some of the top seeds in the world. And of course, probably the most recognizable basketball player in the world, considered as one of the best in history, Michael Jordan. And just recently, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt became one of the most decorated Olympian in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Most of the renowned black athletes have gained recognition not only in athletics but as black entrepreneurs as well.

The Black Entertainers

Probably one of the most influential fields in the world is the entertainment industry. Black entertainers also have gained recognition in the entertainment field. For one, Oprah Winfrey, one of the richest black entrepreneurs in the world, is considered as the most influential woman in the entertainment industry. And for years, the melodies that we have been hearing have come from black entertainers, either black groups or solos. Black actors have also graced both the silver and the small screens of their countries, gaining worldwide recognition as celebrities.

The Black Businesspersons

Black entrepreneurs have helped shape the economies of their countries and also inspire people with their endeavors. Christopher Gardner, one of the famous black entrepreneurs, have inspired many with his life story and struggles, as shown in the film "The Pursuit of Happyness," which was based on Garder’s autobiography. The list of successful black entrepreneurs would seem endless. Notable black entrepreneurs include Aliko Dangote, Robert Johnson, Marcus Garvey, Maggie Walker, Ken Bridges, Russell Simmons, Susan L. Taylor, and Oprah Winfrey, among others. The achievements of black entrepreneurs around the world have proved greatly that there are no racial boundaries in entrepreneurship. Black entrepreneurs have shown what equality is, and that includes equal opportunities to succeed.