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The reason I'm happy to see Beyonce and Oprah at the top of the Forbes list is because they are positive creatures. Neither of them became famous by selling their souls, hurting others or engaging in raunchy behavior. They are known for being tough businesswomen, yet compassionate enough to give to the causes they care about. They've inspired millions of black women and serve as tremendous role models for young black girls who want to be captains of their own destiny.
Speaking of being a captain, part of what allows Oprah and Beyonce to keep it real in the "realest" kind of way is that they are bosses of their domains. Oprah earned $315 million, not because she is a great talk show host but because she runs the companies with which she is affiliated. She is as much a businesswoman, producer and decision maker as she is a host.
Beyonce made $87 million, not just by singing and dancing but by running a fashion empire and establishing her brand all over the world with significant business relationships. In other words, neither Oprah nor Beyonce can ever be fired by anyone, and they will both continue to make piles of money long after their looks have faded and their physical energy has depleted itself. This is what building wealth is truly all about. It's not just about fame and fortune; it's also about knowing how fame and fortune are ultimately manufactured products created by corporate America.
Millions of Americans adore Beyonce and Oprah, neither of whom waited for some rich guy on a white horse to save them. They didn't hope for a magical "big break" given to them by someone else, cutting off their lifeline to the public. Instead, they worked with people they trusted, learned how business works and built empires that will sustain themselves long after they are gone. They give meaning to the word "boss."
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book 'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here. 
Comments: (16)
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By: ltavers on 6/29/2010 6:23PM
Are you for real???? Doesn't engage in raunchy behavior....anybody who reads this article will know that Bey must pay AOL top dollar to continue pushing articles to idolize her. Give me a break already...How much is she paying you to keep writing these stupid articles...if it's not Bey it's Jay. It is okay to admire someone but the AOL articles about her are sickening....us enlightened people also know what time it is that it is also not just talent that makes you famous and rich....it's called agreement to sell your soul and they OWN YOU!
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By: Lily on 6/29/2010 6:29PM
Are you for real???? Doesn't engage in raunchy behavior....anybody who reads this article will know that Bey must pay AOL top dollar to continue pushing articles to idolize her. Give me a break already...How much is she paying you to keep writing these stupid articles...if it's not Bey it's Jay. It is okay to admire someone but the AOL articles about her are sickening....us enlightened people also know what time it is that it is also not just talent that makes you famous and rich....it's called agreement to sell your soul and they OWN YOU!
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By: Anonymous on 6/30/2010 9:35AM
@ Lily - 100% agree.
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By: minit on 6/29/2010 6:43PM
I agree with you Lily. Wondering if Jay Z pays for all the awards they get? Hmmmm!
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By: joann on 6/29/2010 8:25PM
I am sorry but Oprah have gotten to big for her brithes as the saying goes, she has said that she has a problem with God being jealous! saying is He jealous of me! Oh Mrs. O what does a man profit to gain the world and lose thier soul, Yes God is a jealous God and He has every right to be, He created all things, And Beyonce needs to wake up and smell the coffee too, she think her stuff don't stink! God's wrath is pouring out on the earth now and all people are talking about is how much money some of these demonic witches and warlords have in the bank, they trust in thier money, but in the day of trouble they will call upon their riches and it won't be able to answer them, Watch as well as pray, don't fall under this satonic spell, looks good sounds good, but rotten to the bone! Open up your spiritual eyes and hear what the spirit of God has to say! Just for the record Oprah God's not going to rewrite the bible to suit you! You are to worship Him, He is not going top worship you!
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By: Jeanette Reese on 9/17/2010 11:11PM
Amen. You are right on target. The Bible describes the last days as the days of Noah. People were eating and drinking, building and planting, marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came and took them all away. People better wake up. Jesus said that you can not serve both God and mammon (money).
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By: PinkPackets on 6/30/2010 10:13AM
Stop hating.
Dr. Boyce is right. Both of these women work non-stop, they support good causes and became successful on their own talent and business savvy. None of them used sex, Both promote positivity and female empowerment. As a black woman it makes me proud and inspires me to find a way to turn my talents and passion into something that will provide for my family for years to come. Bravo Beyonce and Bravo Oprah.
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By: Lily on 7/02/2010 3:46AM
Its not about hating...do you call shaking your rear end and dressing like a cheap prostitute TALENT??? Would you want your daughter if you have one to dress like this as an entertainer? Perhaps if she had brains to go with the beauty she would know that you do not have to dress like a whore, video vixen or sell the dark side b/s to get paid. I would personally be ashamed to dress like this if my father was managing me...I would be even more embarrassed if I had children and they were watching me. Bey USED to have some class in the past, but I am sorry, her style no longer represents CLASS. Women need to put some clothes on and stop selling themselves short. With her money, she should not have to dress like someone sliding down a pole. A decent man called a "husband" would normally have a problem with that if he truly respected and cherished his wife....I guess it's all about the $$$. Bey is a product - point blank. There are plenty of sisters who have made it that can be highlighted that one would be proud to say to a little girl...be like her and become successful without showing your ass 24-7. As for lady O, not much on her except what has she really done to inspire black women? All of her shows are geared towards white women, which she caters to. When it comes to black woman, she reverts back to the kizzy roles and that slavery crap although she is a billionaire. Whats up with that. With all the issues going on today, people with her influence could do more positive things to send positive messages to black women. Not hand out a piece of cheese or anything, but make movies to show how she made it to billionaire status. But noooooo, she goes back to Ceily and Harpo everytime keeping you on lockdown. However, I give her more props...at least she classy and is educated to say the least. I hope this resonates with you. It is time that our black women wake up and stop operating from these low vibrations. For real. Peace and Light to you.
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By: michinyuja on 7/01/2010 9:54PM
Positive and inspiring. Thank you!
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By: Tricia on 7/02/2010 9:16AM
On this I can only say Amen. Excellent role models for Black women in particular. Inspired by both! http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=3822&promo_id=1
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