Oprah Winfrey – $2.9 billion
The list’s first billionaire! Not only has Oprah Winfrey been ranked the richest African-American in history, she is North America’s first and currently only black multi-billionaire. Known first for her wonderful philanthropy, Winfrey is also the creator of hugely successful OWN – the Oprah Winfrey Network. A prominent queen of television, Winfrey has also co-authored 5 books and has her own Oprah Radio channel.