[Posted Feb. 13, 2008]

Richest Blacks:
Oprah Winfrey,
Rappers,
and Athletes

      (Taylor Media Services)—According to Forbes magazine, the wealthiest African American in the entertainment industry from June 2006 to July 2007 was television talk-show diva Oprah Winfrey with a worth of $2.5 billion. The 54-year-old earned $260 million during the period for average daily earnings of $712,000. 
      Winfrey was followed by golfing sensation Tiger Woods who banked roughly $100 million during the same one year period. Forbes projects that at his current earnings pace the 32-year-old Woods will be a billionaire within the next 10 years.
      Meanwhile, last year’s controversy over Rap music and its lyrics appears to have had little negative impact on the third richest entertainer—Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter who pulled in $83 million last year. Coming in fourth place with $33 million was another controversial rapper and former drug dealer 50 Cent. 
      The remaining Black celebrities on the “Top Earning African American Stars” list were basketball greats Kobe Bryant, $33 million; Shaquille O’Neal, $32 million; basketball legend Michael Jordan, retired but still earning $31 million; actor Will Smith, $31 million; singer Beyonce Knowles, $27 million and basketball standout LeBron James, $27 million. 

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