A recent report by an American publication that focuses on uplifting stories about black Americans and their culture conducted research on the wealthiest black female entertainers in an industry that has long been dominated by men.
Black women have historically experienced a racial and gender pay gap, earning less than their peers. However, inspirational figures like Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, and Alicia Keys, who have built their careers since the 1980s, have served as role models for young women of color around the world.
African American women have struggled to obtain mainstream roles due to the perception of a lack of interest from global audiences. Nevertheless, recent successes such as Marvel’s Black Panther have made it easier for them to gain recognition.
The list also includes Jennifer Hudson, Viola Davis, Angela Basset, Taraji P. Henson, Phylicia Rashad, Vanessa Williams, Zendaya, Mary J. Blige, Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Brandy, and Loretta Devine, among many others.
Interestingly, Mexican-Kenyan American actress Lupita Nyong’o, with a net worth of $10 million, ranked higher than Loretta Devine ($10 million), Zoe Kravitz ($10 million), Lisa Bonet ($10 million), Eve ($10 million), Nia Long ($9 million), Lauryn Hill ($9 million), Mo’Nique ($9 million), Lauren London ($8 million), Keke Palmer ($7.5 million), Regina Hall ($6 million), Tiffany Haddish ($6 million), Megan Good ($5 million), Beyoncé’s stepsister Bianca Lawson ($2 million), and Jennifer Lewis ($2 million), among others.
Other black female entertainers on the list, such as the late Aaliyah ($8 million), and the late Whitney Houston, with a negative net worth of -$20 million, had a lower net worth than Lupita Nyong’o.