Robert Johnson b. 1946

[maruppharm]

As the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Robert Johnson’s candor about his entrepreneurial success is surprising. As America’s first black billionaire in 2000, he doesn't shy away from sharing the reason he created BET—to make profit in an untapped market. He capitalized on an underserved market by using black executives, producers and on-air talent to produce content for black audiences. The cable television channel began airing black-oriented music videos, movies and gospel programming, and has since expanded into original programming such as sitcoms, concerts and talk shows. A division of Viacom, BET reaches 87 million households.

Quote: "It's all about hard work and earning what is given, giving back to the community that helped