Recognizing the African American Business Legends Throughout History; Our Take at the Black History Month

The world has seen a lot of revolutions, while it has even heard the stories of lasting horrors through generations. Some parts are still witnessing a dictator's rule, and some are still involved in inhuman occurrences. 

The hatred and the differences have created an invisible wall between communities, the largest among these being for African Americans. History has told us and still is repeated each day somewhere in the USA. But there's still a side that celebrates the contribution of blacks to the growth of the United States. 

February month is celebrated as black history month, honoring African Americans from all ages and periods in US history. It is an eulogy and commemoration to those enslaved people from the early 17th century, who fought the battles for their rights. And a salute to those Black men and women who are living in the United States and have positioned themselves as a strong figure even though their community still faces threats in some parts. 

As a tribute from our end to the colossus’ of the African American community we at StartupTalky are here with a list of legends in the business field and those who have brought significant changes in the world. 

This list will excite you with the mentioned names and put you in wonder. If you are ready to be fascinated, hop onto our words and encounter what history has. 

These are the black business personalities from different periods of history who became legends:

Madam C. J. Walker
Daymond John
Janice Bryant Howroyd
Binta Niambi Brown
George Foreman
Michael Jordan

Madam C. J. Walker

An opportunist and the first-ever successful black businesswoman in the history of the United States, Madam C.J. Walker was the daughter of former slaves in Louisiana. She was born in 1867 as Sarah Breedlove and left a mark as the first female self-made millionaire in America. 

Walker was the founder of Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, which manufactured a cosmetics and hair care product line developed especially for black women. 

In the initial days, she traveled all over America to promote her method of hair care, also known as the “Walker Method”, with her husband, for years. Eventually, she became the owner of a huge corporation and trained hundreds of beauticians under her. 

Daymond John

You might recognize Daymond John as the Shark (investor) on ABC’s reality television series Shark Tank, but he is much more than that. He is the founder of the streetwear clothing brand FUBU, which stands for “For Us, By Us”. John is also the CEO of Shark Group, which is a brand consultancy. 

Daymond John mortgaged his mother's home for USD 100,000, this seed money was then used to turn half of his home into a clothing factory, while the other half was used as a living space. His mother taught him to sew clothes and supported him during all of his and FUBU’s journey. 

The Wool Ski hats were the first product that earned him USD 800 within a single day, back in 1992, after which he began selling screen-printed t-shirts. 

A brilliant strategy he used was lending clothes to popular musicians to build brand recognition. The music videos led to a huge growth of the company and eventually FUBU became a successful clothing line. 

The struggles he has faced during the initial days of making FUBU famous have kept him down to earth. His rough days have encouraged him to guide new entrepreneurs too. 

Janice Bryant Howroyd

She is many things, an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, an author, and with that she holds a great experience from her fighting days as a black businessperson and a woman. The struggle was real and yet she is one of the most successful businesspeople in the USA. 

Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a firm that generated an annual revenue of more than USD 1 billion. The company is an employment agency and consultancy based in Los Angeles.

Janice marketed her company in 1978 only through word of mouth. She is also recognized as the first African American woman who built a billion-dollar company. 

It was in 1976 when Howroyd moved to Los Angeles and worked for her brother-in-law as a temporary secretary at Billboard Magazine. She started her company with a mere budget of USD 1000. Her first client? It was the same person she worked for, Tom Noonan.

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Binta Niambi Brown

Binta Brown is the founder of Omalily Projects. A former attorney, with a successful career, Brown became an artist manager, by starting her own music production company. If you’ve heard of Music Lab, you should know that Binta Brown is also the executive director and co-founder of this nonprofit educational program. 

Music lab looks after the young artists and musicians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has always been enthusiastic to support the music industry with a business aspect. With open arms for black artists, Binta has managed to become a legend in the music industry. 

She is on Billboards 2021 Change Agents List, and Billboards 2020 Hip-Hop & R&B Power Players list. Similarly, Binta Brwon is an entrepreneur with her name on the Billboard 2020 Women in Music List. 

George Foreman

At the age of 45, George Foreman became the oldest person ever to win a heavyweight boxing belt. This was in the 1990s, and this is how his journey into multiple business ventures began. 

Today some various products and businesses have traces of Foreman. In the '90s, a sensational grill ruled the whole era, it was named the George Foreman grill, which was George’s most appreciated business. However, the rights of that brand are owned by manufacturer Salton today, which were repurchased in 1999 for USD 137.5 million. 

But as we mentioned earlier, it wasn't the only business begun by the boxer. He also invested in EverybodyFights, a gym brand founded by his son George Foreman III. 

Michael Jordan

You know him through Nike’s Air Jordan, a shoe line that is globally accepted by teens, fashion enthusiasts, and basketball players. Besides being the most celebrated basketball player, he has a hold on numerous brand partnerships. 

Jordan is one of the most recognized basketball players for the extraordinary games that he played throughout his 15 seasons in the NBA. He managed to make an impressive record in the history of the NBA, gain marvelous points, and win a series of awards. But what's more important is he owns the brand partnership of a billion-dollar business, Air Jordan itself. 

Michael Jordan even has partnerships with Coca-Cola and Gatorade, Chevrolet, and McDonald’s. In 2021, he was named as the highest-paid athlete of all time by Sporting News. 

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The black side of America has faced huge community backlashes, less access, and racial rejection, but some have managed to thrive throughout history. 

NBC News right after the pandemic issued that the number of Black-owned businesses has substantially grown by at least 38%. This growth was recorded from February 2020 to August 2021. 

If you are interested in more intriguing lists and information keep visiting StartupTalky, because we like to see you more. 

FAQs

What is the black history month?

February month is celebrated as black history month, honoring African Americans from all ages and periods in US history.

Who are the African American business legends throughout history?

Below are the top African American business legends throughout the history:

• Madam C. J. Walker
• Daymond John
• Janice Bryant Howroyd
• Binta Niambi Brown
• George Foreman
• Michael Jordan

Who is Janice Bryant Howroyd?

Janice Bryant Howroyd is an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, and an author, and with that, she holds a great experience from her fighting days as a black businessperson and a woman. She is one of the most successful business people in the USA.