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Black-Owned Corporations in America: Power, Innovation, and Legacy
Discover the top Black-owned corporations in America, from World Wide Technology to Byron Allen’s media empire, and learn how these billion-dollar businesses are shaping industries and inspiring Black entrepreneurship.
Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff
When people think of Black-owned businesses in America, many picture small shops, restaurants, or startups. While these enterprises are vital to communities, a lesser-known truth is that several Black-owned corporations have grown into billion-dollar powerhouses — shaping industries from technology to media, food service to finance. These companies prove that Black entrepreneurship is not only thriving but also redefining the American corporate landscape.
World Wide Technology (WWT): A $20 Billion Tech Titan
Founded by David Steward in 1990, World Wide Technology is the largest Black-owned business in America, with revenues topping $20 billion. WWT provides cutting-edge IT services — including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI solutions — to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Steward, who grew up in segregated Missouri, now ranks among the wealthiest Black billionaires, with a net worth exceeding $7 billion. His quiet leadership and philanthropic efforts inspire countless entrepreneurs.
Byron Allen & Allen Media Group: A Billion-Dollar Media Empire
Comedian-turned-mogul Byron Allen built one of the largest Black-owned media companies in the world. Through Allen Media Group (Entertainment Studios), he owns 12 television networks, 43 local TV stations, and The Weather Channel. His empire generates well over $1 billion annually, making him one of the most powerful media owners in the U.S.
Allen is also a fearless advocate for diversity in advertising and media ownership. By pushing major corporations to spend more with minority-owned outlets, he has positioned himself not only as a media giant but as a champion for economic inclusion.
Bridgewater Interiors: Driving Detroit’s Future
In the heart of Detroit, Bridgewater Interiors, founded by Ron Hall Sr. and now led by Ron Hall Jr., is a billion-dollar automotive seating supplier. The company partners with industry giants like Ford and General Motors, pioneering just-in-time manufacturing. Beyond profits, Bridgewater champions supplier diversity and community growth, proving that Black-owned corporations can thrive at the core of America’s auto industry.
ActOne Group: Workforce Innovation at Scale
Launched in 1978 by Janice Bryant Howroyd with just $1,500, ActOne has grown into a global workforce solutions leader, generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. Howroyd made history as the first African-American woman to build and run a billion-dollar business. Today, ActOne operates in more than 19 countries, placing millions of workers while advocating for inclusion in staffing and leadership pipelines.
Modular Assembly Innovations: Powering U.S. Automakers
Founded by Billy Vickers in 2006, Modular Assembly Innovations (MAI) is another billion-dollar auto supplier. The company specializes in modular sub-assemblies and delivers to major automakers across the country. Known for his athlete-to-CEO journey, Vickers emphasizes efficiency and employee growth, making MAI one of the fastest-growing Black-owned companies in manufacturing.
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida: Independent and Thriving
In 2015, Troy Taylor founded Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, the only independent Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S. The company quickly grew to generate more than $1 billion in revenue, employing thousands across Florida. Taylor’s leadership shows how Black ownership can succeed in legacy industries where minority participation has historically been rare.
Thompson Hospitality: Feeding America
From running Bob’s Big Boy restaurants to managing corporate and university dining halls, Warren Thompson has built Thompson Hospitality into a food-service empire worth nearly $800 million. It is now one of the largest minority-owned food service providers in the U.S., serving hospitals, universities, and government institutions nationwide.
Urban One: A Media Empire for Black Voices
Founded by Cathy Hughes in 1980, Urban One (formerly Radio One) is the largest Black-owned broadcasting company in the U.S., with revenues approaching $500 million. Hughes was the first African-American woman to take a company public on the U.S. stock exchange. Today, Urban One spans radio, TV, and digital, amplifying Black culture and shaping political discourse.
Hightowers Petroleum: Energy with Impact
Led by Stephen Hightower, Hightowers Petroleum distributes fuel and energy solutions to major corporations and government agencies, generating nearly $450 million annually. What began as a regional operation has grown into one of the country’s most respected minority-owned energy providers, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Why These Companies Matter
These corporations represent more than financial success:
Representation: They prove that Black entrepreneurs can thrive at the billion-dollar level in industries historically closed to them. Opportunity: Collectively, they employ tens of thousands of people, many in communities of color. Mentorship & Legacy: Leaders like Byron Allen, Cathy Hughes, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and David Steward actively mentor and fund the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Innovation: From tech to automotive to media, these companies are pushing boundaries, reshaping industries, and challenging stereotypes.
The Bigger Picture
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 3 million Black-owned businesses in America, though most are small. Yet, the billion-dollar giants show what’s possible when resilience, innovation, and opportunity come together.
From the boardrooms of tech giants to the distribution centers feeding the nation — and even the studios behind The Weather Channel — Black-owned corporations are not just participating in the economy. They are leading it
📰 Articles & Reports
A Look at Black-Owned Businesses in the U.S. – Pew Research Center
An in-depth analysis highlighting the growth and economic impact of Black-owned firms, including a 66% revenue increase from 2017–2022.
Black-Owned Businesses Worth Billions in the U.S. – UrbanGeekz
Showcases high-profile Black-owned companies like ActOne Group and Allen Media Group, emphasizing their contributions to various industries.
Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Businesses – BE 100s List – Black Enterprise
Details the top Black-owned businesses across sectors such as automotive, media, and finance.
📊 Data & Statistics
Black-Owned Public Companies – Investopedia
Lists publicly traded Black-owned companies and offers insights into their market presence.
2024 Black-Owned Business Statistics – Lendio
Discusses the percentage of Black-owned businesses among employer firms and the importance of growth in this sector.
🎥 Videos
Byron Allen’s Media Group Sells 10 TV Stations for $171M – YouTube
Covers Byron Allen’s media deals and the expansion of his empire.
Top 10 Largest Black-Owned Businesses – YouTube
Visual overview of the biggest Black-owned companies and their impact on the U.S. economy.
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Author
The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Science
New Glenn’s Third Mission Set for April 19 as Blue Origin Advances Commercial Space Capabilities
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Blue Origin has confirmed the launch window for the third mission of its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket, marking another step forward in the company’s expanding role in commercial spaceflight.
New Glenn’s Third Mission
Launch Details and Timeline
The mission is scheduled to lift off no earlier than Sunday, April 19, 2026, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 6:45 a.m. EDT (10:45 UTC) and closes at 8:45 a.m. EDT (12:45 UTC).
Viewers can follow the mission through a live webcast hosted by Blue Origin, beginning approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.
Mission Payload: Expanding Space-Based Connectivity
At the heart of the mission is the deployment of the BlueBird 7 satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is designed to enhance a growing direct-to-smartphone broadband network, an emerging technology aimed at delivering connectivity to standard mobile devices without the need for ground-based towers.
BlueBird 7 will contribute to expanding network capacity and is expected to support initial service rollout plans targeted for 2026. The broader initiative reflects a significant shift in how satellite infrastructure could complement terrestrial telecom systems, particularly in underserved or remote regions.
Reusability Milestone: Booster Returns Again
A key feature of this mission is the planned reuse of New Glenn’s first-stage booster, “Never Tell Me The Odds.” The booster previously demonstrated a successful launch and landing during the rocket’s second mission in November, underscoring Blue Origin’s commitment to reusable rocket technology—a cornerstone of cost reduction and operational efficiency in modern spaceflight.
If successful, this mission will further validate the reliability of the New Glenn system and strengthen its competitiveness in a market increasingly shaped by reusable launch vehicles.
Industry Context: Competing in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The New Glenn program represents Blue Origin’s answer to heavy-lift launch demands, positioning the company alongside major players such as SpaceX. As satellite constellations grow in scale and ambition, reliable and cost-effective launch services have become a critical component of the global space economy.
The inclusion of commercial payloads like BlueBird 7 highlights the increasing collaboration between aerospace firms and telecommunications providers, signaling a future where space-based infrastructure plays a central role in everyday connectivity.
Looking Ahead
With its third mission, New Glenn continues to build momentum as a next-generation launch platform. The combination of reusable hardware, commercial partnerships, and advanced payload capabilities places this launch among the most closely watched developments in the 2026 spaceflight calendar.
For ongoing updates, mission tracking, and live coverage, audiences can follow Blue Origin across its digital platforms or visit its official website.
Source
Blue Origin Official Announcement – New Glenn Third Mission
Related External Links
- Learn More About Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket
- AST SpaceMobile – Space-Based Cellular Broadband Network
- Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Information
- NASA Overview of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Operations
Explore the latest in innovation, AI, gadgets, startups, and digital trends in STM Daily News’ Techsection.
Tech
Drones paired with AI could help search‑and‑rescue teams find missing persons faster
AI-powered drones equipped with thermal and infrared imaging are transforming search-and-rescue operations, enabling teams to locate missing persons faster and assess their condition—including signs of injury, consciousness, or life-threatening temperature changes—in real time.
Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University
A combination of infrared imaging, thermal imaging and color cameras on an uncrewed drone, along with an AI system to interpret the data, can help emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams locate, identify and track people who have gone missing in the wilderness. The experimental system helps responders pinpoint where a missing person is and determine whether they are hurt or even alive.
People who get lost or hurt while exploring nature can become stranded for days. Rescue teams often use drones to look for the person or signs of their whereabouts. The small drone my colleagues and I built at my lab at Kennesaw State University flies autonomously using a grid search pattern. It sends live video and images to a ground station operated by the rescue team.
When the AI system finds a person, it analyzes images to determine whether the individual is upright or lying on the ground. It segments parts of the person’s body, identifying the person’s head and the body’s position. It then zeroes in on the forehead. It extracts forehead temperature readings, pixel by pixel, from the imaging data to estimate forehead temperature. We have two papers detailing these findings accepted for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum 2026 conference.
Our AI model then assesses whether the person is conscious or unconscious and identifies abnormal temperatures that could indicate heat stress, hypothermia or other physical complications, or death – all vital information for a search-and-rescue team.
In field trials we have conducted, the system has provided consistent temperature readings of the heads of volunteers from our research team who have walked out into a variety of environments, under different conditions.
Why it matters
It is critical to get accurate and timely information on the whereabouts of a missing person. The likelihood that the person will survive decreases steeply as time passes.
An AI-enhanced drone can make search-and-rescue operations significantly more efficient than sending teams of people out into the environment to search on foot, especially in poor weather conditions or under thick foliage. Rescuers who know whether a person is conscious or unconscious can also better gear up for what they need to do to retrieve the person and administer aid. Our technology could save lives.
What other research is being done
Search-and-rescue personnel use various kinds of drones, but the machines often lack the ability to positively identify humans, especially under thick foliage, in bad weather or when the person is lying down or unconscious. The AI-based technology we have developed overcomes those challenges.
Better sensors that are very lightweight, that can function at night or in rain, and can see more clearly through thick foliage could further improve our drone and drones used by others. Researchers are devising AI-powered sound recognition for detecting screams for help, advanced thermal imaging for better nighttime vision and autonomous drones that could act as first responders.
Also under development are drones that can carry heavy payloads, such as flotation devices, fly for up to 14 hours or perform real-time mapping of the ground below.
What’s next
One of our next steps is to have multiple drones fly together and autonomously coordinate search-and-rescue operations among themselves. This will allow the technology to cover a much larger area, perhaps hundreds of square miles.
We are also designing a large drone that can carry up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of payload and stay aloft for an hour.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Adeel Khalid, Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Kennesaw State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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