On January 20, 2009, black America got what it always wanted—he came 6′ 1″ tall, with a bright smile and fierce wife. And although President Barack Hussein Obama is still the world’s most powerful man (black or white) we figure we’d peruse the many lists out there to compile our 10 other influential men. Because what’s a strong Madame without a good man?
The list is not in any order of hierarchy, because it’s not based upon gross income or any other hard number. We listed these men for their work in the community, potential to start movements and acceptance/embrace by the general black populous.
So with no further adieu, here are our guys:
1. Steve Harvey – Don’t sleep on Steve Harvey. While you may be wondering why he’s on this list, take a stroll past your book collection… he’s probably in there. His book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment sold over 27,000 copies in its first six days out. Women have broken down this book like quantum physics. And on top of the massive influence of his book, his radio show ain’t bad at all too. Not only does he have major celebrities daily, but also has Dr. Oz and Judge Mathis regularly commentating. You better do your thang, man!
2. Harold Ford Jr. – Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he’s ridiculously ambitious. Coming from a family of politicians, Ford Jr. was eager to enter the political world — so much he was the youngest person ever in U.S. history to be in Congress at age 26. Although he backed away from the New York Senate seat earlier this year, he is still holding down chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, MSNBC guest anchor and visiting professor at NYU.
3. Ben Jealous – The NAACP needed help. The organization that literally changed the lives of Black Americans in the first seven decades of the twentieth century was thought to have been going stale. Enter: Ben Jealous. As the youngest president in history of the organization, Jealous started his work with the community as a pre-teen. He went on to Columbia College for undergrad and then Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar; eventually becoming the Executive Director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
4. Eric Holder – Ask Holder about his past and he’ll tell you about his favorite spots in Queens, his Barbadian parents or his days at Stuyvesant High School on the basketball team. The brother is pretty down. So down, that when asked by President Obama to join his cabinet as the U.S. Attorney General– after serving under President Bill Clinton– he said yes. So now, as the highest-ranked black American law enforcement official in American history, he’s holding down all of our streets.
5. Tom Joyner – In a time when the radio is filled with glorified hosts pretending to have classic broadcast training, it’s refreshing to hear this man’s voice. His early morning show (with all 115 markets) has 8 million listeners a week. Constantly working to uplift and enlighten the community, this disc jockey is truly the haaardest working man in America.
6. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter – This 40-year-old does a lot more than rap. Along with his charity work he manages a clothing label, nightclubs, and owns a share of the New Jersey Nets. He’s also one of the few people in this country that still influences how kids dress, act, and talk. Remind them to pull their pants up!
7. Michael Jordan – It’s been almost ten years since this man picked up a basketball professionally, but somehow he’s still shining. Recently he purchased the Charlotte Bobcats for majority ownership along with keeping his stake in the Nike Air Jordan brand. Not only does he mentor, he will forever be the best example of athleticism in the NBA.
8. LeBron James – You may not be a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but their star player is making moves on and off the court. James is said to have made over $150 million in endorsement deals alone last year. Negating his contract to play and personal promo, he and his three partners own LRMR Innovative Marketing Branding that’s signed several athletes. Gotta love a man that invests in his own future.
9. E. Stanley O’ Neal – As former president of Merrill’s U.S. Private Client Group, O’Neal oversaw sixteen thousand brokers. This man literally went from building cars on the assembly line of General Motors to joining their Board of Directors. And all it took was some drive…that and an MBA from Harvard University. Now, as one of the highest paid African Americans in the country, he is on the Board of Alcoa Incorporated, the world’s primary producer of aluminum.
10. Tyler Perry– Talk about him all you want, but this man is making money from somebody. It seems like he always has something in the works that’s guaranteed to bank. His ninth major film “Why Did I Get Married Too” made over $49 million and actors are knocking down his door for exposure. Can’t blame them…with as much ambition this man has, he’s the right one to work for.
Honorable Mentions: Ambassador Ronald Kirk, Dr. Ian Smith and Magic Johnson
