Black athletes and entertainers might be the most visible examples of ballin' on a grand scale, but only a few of 'em really do top the charts -- the money charts that is.Only three African-Americans (ok, two and everybody's favorite Cablanasian), made the top 20 on Forbes' latest Celebrity 100 list, which ranks the top dogs in the 'the business' based on (what else?) money and power. Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods -- no surprises there -- were numbers one and two on the list power list. Oprah also ranked first in the cash category with estimated 2006 income of $260 million, while Tiger's cool hunned-mil. ranked him fourth.
Jay-Z, the rapper turned record label head, fashion label head and head pitchman for everything, came in ninth on the power list but fourth for his bankroll, an estimated $83 million last year. The next African-American on the list was L.A.'s man-to-hate of the moment, Kobe Bryant, who's clout put him at 23rd but who's cash -- $33 million in '06 -- put him three pegs lower at 26th in that category.
Dave Chappelle, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington dropped off the list this year.
Comments: (67)
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By: Miss Phillips on 6/20/2007 11:08AM
This seems like a repeat blog, but maybe I'm tripping. I try not to get to caught up in the numbers game or list because it always depends on whose doing the measuring when it comes to evaluating indiviuals, but in the case of earnings they are all very wealthy. That's wonderful, but I think the average American really doesn't want to be super rich because ultimately they really want security. A stable life provides security because you have something that you can depend on even in the most simple circumstance.
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By: STERLING W GRAY on 6/24/2007 10:47AM
WHO CARES WHAT ELSE IS NEW.WHAT DO THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BLACK COMUNITY ON THE HOLD,IS A BETTER STORY.
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By: Imoan on 6/24/2007 11:13AM
They earned their fame and fortune by working hard, and focusing on a higher goal. So they deserve to have great wealth.
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By: Rita on 6/24/2007 11:55AM
Ok Oprarh! You've put schools in Africa and we support all your causes now can you focus on a program to help the black brothers who are trying to get there lives together and teach and educate thoes who want to learn! Can you and Cosby stop talking and putting the black man down and telling them what needs to be down but put your money where your mouth is and create jobs for the guys between the ages of 18 thru 35! Jail is the number one population right now! Murder and Crime is taking over Philadelphia! Where is Will Smith! He says the hell with everything that he left behind in Philadelphia!!!!!!!!!!!! Yet he doesn't do anything to help us here! So what Cosby marched in west philly! Where is Oprah, Jigga, Diddy, Miraha, hell Janet, Jamaine, and the rest of the powerhouse black people! Maybe I started out wrong asking Oprah to acknowledge where the problems really are! Hell Tupac told us in his music that the real black people of power don't give a fu## about the real strugles! My point in saying all this is: Oprah doesn't really put her money where her mouth is! Nobody is really looking for a hand out! They just don't have a way to pay for the education if things are limited as they are!
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By: Nicci C. on 6/24/2007 3:18PM
I don't like Oprah. That's right.. I'm hating because she make more money than me!!!!
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By: MaryKatherine on 6/24/2007 1:12PM
who care ?
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By: richard ames on 6/24/2007 9:28PM
Oprah I am proud of you for establishing schools in Africa. I am a qualified NYC public school teacher.Please help me get a job in one of your African schools where the folks are eager to learn. Iam qualified to teach General Science and Biology.
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By: caroline on 6/24/2007 1:53PM
ok. o i am very happy for you and many of the people feel that because you have money and have done things for africa that you. also need to give to the black community however what they dont understand is your a black woman that had to work hard to be were you are today. dont let other make you feel guilty for you riches
love caroline
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By: vivian E. on 6/24/2007 3:14PM
It's great to see those names. I don't see what's so unusual about African Americans succeeding. Once upon a time there were entire towns of wealthy people of color. The only difference is that in those times there was a greater bond and sense of responsiblity to each other and the community. When you made it you pulled others up with you. As does so many other racial and ethinic groups. How many rooms, cars, clothes do you really need? How much can you and your children spend in a lifetime WE see the enemy, we have become the enemy and the enemy is us!!!!!
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By: Miss Thang on 6/24/2007 2:24PM
The way I see it, no one deserves to make the kind of money these folk are making unless they have found a cure for AIDS or CANCER. Just goes to show that we have our priorities WAY out of order!
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