In the Forbes’ prestigious list of the richest Americans, David Steward was ranked the wealthiest Black person in America.
The list, which was released in early October, named the tech entrepreneur as the richest black person in America with a net worth of $11.4 billion.
The Missouri-based icon rose from $7.6 billion barely a year ago to his current net worth, a testament of the remarkable success of his multinational technology company, World Wide Technologies (WWT).
One of only four black individuals to make the list
Mr Steward’s inclusion in the Forbes list was a significant accomplishment, but he wasn’t the only black person on the list.
Other Black billionaires that featured on Forbes list include Robert Smith, Palantir co-founder Alexander Karp, who debuted with a net worth of $3.6 billion, and legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan, boasting a networth of approximately $3.5 billion.
David Steward’s story
David Steward’s journey to greatness is reminiscent of a grass to grace story.
He was born in 1951 in Chicago, Illinois and raised in a small, segregated town in Missouri. His family struggled financially, and Mr Steward often recounts the hard work his parents put in so their family could survive.
His early experience with poverty moulded his character and fuelled his determination to be successful.
Under his leadership, WWT became a global powerhouse in the IT industry, hiring over 8,000 employees and netting billions in annual revenue. Some of their biggest clients are Boeing, AT & T, and the U.S. government.
This had not always been the case as WWT started as a small tech firm with just a few number of employees.
Education and contribution to society
Mr Steward earned a business degree from the Central Missouri State University and held many sales positions in organisations like the Federal Express (FedEx).
He, however, suffered discrimination and encountered many challenges in the corporate environment and this gave him the push to start his own company, the WWT.
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As a result of his experience, Mr Steward has become a passionate advocate of diversity and inclusion in the workspace, stressing the need to create more opportunities for black people, particularly for individuals in the tech industry.
The IT entrepreneur and his wife created the David and Thelma Steward Family Foundation, which offers educational and economic prospects to marginalised communities.
Additionally, the foundation donates to non-profit organisations that support minority education and businesses.
Continuing his legacy
Mr Steward shares two children with his wife,Thelma.
According to the tech tycoon, his family has been a great support system throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
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