David Steward, an IT entrepreneur from Missouri, has been recognized as the richest Black person in America, according to the 2024 Forbes 400 list.
With a net worth of $11.4 billion, Steward’s wealth has surged from $7.6 billion in 2023 and $6 billion in 2022.
At 73, Steward is the founder and majority owner of World Wide Technology, an IT service provider that partners with major corporations like Apple and Microsoft, as well as the U.S. government. In 2023, WWT reported sales of $17 billion. The company began in 1990 with an initial investment of $250,000 and has since evolved into a leading technology firm.
Born in Clinton, Missouri, Steward faced numerous challenges growing up in the segregated South, where his father worked multiple jobs to support their large family. After earning a degree from Central Missouri University, Steward built a career in sales with companies such as Missouri Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific, and FedEx. In 1983, he acquired his first business, paving the way for the creation of WWT.
Reflecting on his journey, Steward emphasized the importance of overcoming fears and having faith in possibilities. “It takes getting past your fears… and being able to put everything on the line because you know you’ve been called upon to do something very special,” he stated.
Steward is one of only 25 billionaires to achieve a maximum score on Forbes’ self-made scale, illustrating his “rags-to-riches” story. He ranks 84th overall on the 2024 list, rising from 121st in 2023.
In a 2019 interview, Steward noted, “It’s something to celebrate, but gosh, there’s still a lot more to do… I hope what this represents is that all things are possible.” He highlighted the potential for success in America, expressing gratitude for the blessings that extend to people of color.
Other Black billionaires on the 2024 Forbes 400 list include private equity magnate Robert Smith, Palantir co-founder Alexander Karp, and NBA legend Michael Jordan.
