The week began with the celebration of Martin Luther King Day and President Obama's swearing-in ceremony. These men have become eponymous for the assertion of 'Black power' in America in an absolutely non violent and socially viable manner.
That's exactly what the Black community has come to represent in the American society over the years. Having risen from the throes of century old stereotypes of slavery, racist abuse and lack of civic amenities like education, the community has produced business leaders who have made their mark spectacularly.
In the words of Martin Luther King "Whatever Your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well the living , the dead and the unborn could do it no better".
We recognize the contributions some outstanding Black entrepreneurs- past and present, here.
1. Bonita Coleman Stewart
She is the face behind Google Inc.'s strategy, sales and client management for the past 20 years in the USA. A Bachelor of Arts from Howard University and MBA from Harvard, the lady is a prolific speaker on marketing and advertising. As the co-founder of Nia Enterprises and a 10 year stint at IBM, Bonita has co-authored "The Fifth P of Marketing". The "Interactive Marketer of the Year" is but a unique blend of marketing, industrial expertise and technological know-how.
2. Alexander Cummings
2. Alexander Cummings
3. Andrea Taylor
Director of Microsoft's U.S Community Affairs, Taylor has carved her niche in integrating the Corporation with the community, government and business fraternity by promoting livelihoods.
Besides her active engagement with Microsoft, Andrea also heads the Media Fund at Ford Foundation as well as contributes as a educator in Harvard Grad School. Her illustrious persona has seen its mark spread to 4 UN Summits on development and technology besides socio-cultural initiatives.
4. Ursula Burns
The Chairperson and CEO of Xerox was listed as the 14th most powerful lady in the world by Forbes magazine in 2009. Ursula has a lot of exclusive "first's" to her credit ; for she is first African-American women CEO to lead a Fortune 500 Company as well as first to succeed another woman to the top post of any Fortune 500 Company ever.
5. Richard D Parsons
5. Richard D Parsons
Besides his entrepreneurial accolades, Richard is an avid philanthrophist who heads the Jazz Foundation of America, that supports veteran jazz and blues musicians.
6. Wally Amos
Wallace "Wally" Amos is best known for his chocolate chip cookies. But his life story is interesting with much ups and downs. Starting out in William Morris Agency's stock room, he eventually became the first black talent agent in American history with credentials of having worked with stars like Diana Ross, Simon and Garfunkel.
With considerable financial backing from established singers of the industry, Amos initiated a unique advertising campaign to launch his cookie store on the famous Sunset Boulevard in 1975. Besides his commercial endeavors, Amos is a motivational speaker, an advocate of literacy in the US and the author of scores of books like the bestseller "Watermelon Credo:The Book".
7. A.G Gaston
With considerable financial backing from established singers of the industry, Amos initiated a unique advertising campaign to launch his cookie store on the famous Sunset Boulevard in 1975. Besides his commercial endeavors, Amos is a motivational speaker, an advocate of literacy in the US and the author of scores of books like the bestseller "Watermelon Credo:The Book".
7. A.G Gaston
He's probably the most under rated name in the business fraternity. Starting out as an undertaker in the burial insurance scene, Gaston's business repertoire was diverse that includes a business college, several radio stations, real estate and financial services. This 103-year old Black entrepreneur who passed away in 1996, represents the best of century who wanted to turn the "black power into green".
8. Oprah Winfrey
She really needs no introductions. For the present generation Oprah symbolizes the most famous reality talk show in American history. Besides her showbiz skills, she has her own production firm that backed flicks like Precious, a satellite radio channel, The Oprah Winfrey cable Network, a publication -The Oprah Magazine as well as a renowned philanthrophist.
8. Oprah Winfrey
She really needs no introductions. For the present generation Oprah symbolizes the most famous reality talk show in American history. Besides her showbiz skills, she has her own production firm that backed flicks like Precious, a satellite radio channel, The Oprah Winfrey cable Network, a publication -The Oprah Magazine as well as a renowned philanthrophist.
9. Kenneth I. Chenault
10. Rosalind Brewer
Brewer created a history as the 1st Afro-American to become the CEO of Wal-Mart, in January 2012.Her appointment as chief of Sam's club-the discount membership club, marks her personal achievements in her six year stint with Wal-Mart. As the president of the East Division of the enterprise, she had record revenue collection and administrated twice the number of outlets in various locations.
We thank our readers for joining us in taking a tour of their illustrious achievements. Hope many of the forthcoming generation of entrepreneurs can learn a thing or two from these personalities.Leave us a comment in the section below.
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Half these people are employees. Again Gaston should b number one
Thanks for stopping by our blog. There's no denying that Gaston should be the #1 but this list has been compiled in random order.