Black people have a mutual understanding about many things —especially art and entertainment— that is unspoken, yet well-understood. Recently, the term “black famous” has been coined to refer to the stars whose fame lies mainly within the black community.
If you can sing along to the Tom Joyner Morning Show theme song, recognize the voice of Loretta Devine, or answer who David Ruffin said “they ain’t coming to see,”…you’re probably hip to the “black famous” folks. These entertainers, actors, comedians, and personalities may not be popular in mainstream, but are undoubtedly cherished in the culture and considered ‘A’s on our list of stars.
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The difference between famous black celebrities and “black famous” celebrities is best explained by writer Michael Harriot, who is credited for first initiating the dialogue around “blackfamous” stardom (via Twitter).
“Blackfamous” is the gap between black stardom and white anonymity.
For instance: The highest possible rating on the “blackfamous” scale would be someone EVERY black person knew but was unknown by EVERY white person.
So I ask: Who is the most “blackfamous” person of all time?
— Michael Harriot (@michaelharriot) December 14, 2019
“A person becomes ‘Blackfamous’ when most Black people know their name and face, but white people often have no clue. For example, while Barack Obama is famous famous, actor Clifton Powell is the standard-bearer for Blackfame — even if you don’t know his name, you know who he is and have enjoyed his work. ” –Michael Harriot
In no particular order, here’s our list…
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THE 30 MOST “BLACK FAMOUS” CELEBRITIES
Frankie Beverly
Source: Prince Williams / Getty)
Stephanie Mills
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Melyssa Ford
Source: Variety / Getty
Tom Joyner
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Angela Bassett
Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty
Gerald Levert
Source: Al Pereira / Getty
Anita Baker
Source: John Anderson / Getty
Katt Williams
Source: Johnny Louis / Getty
Loretta Devine
Source: Unique Nicole / Getty
Larenz Tate
Source: Jason Mendez / Getty
Mo’Nique
Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
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Vivica A. Fox
Source: Derek White / Getty
Kyla Pratt
Source: Leon Bennett / Getty
The Temptations
Source: VINCE BUCCI / Getty
Gary Owens
Source: Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty
The Isley Brothers
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
Teena Marie
Source: Vallery Jean / Getty
Jennifer Lewis
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Mekhi Phifer
Source: Variety / Getty
Omar Epps
Source: Variety / Getty
Morris Chestnut
Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty
Mario Van Peebles
Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty
Kenya Moore
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
MYA
Source: Ollie Millington / Getty
Tiffany “New York” Pollard
Source: Earl Gibson III / Getty
Robert Townsend
Source: CBS Photo Archive / Getty
Leon “Just Leon” Robinson
Source: Kristina Bumphrey / Getty
Luenell
Source: Amy Sussman / Getty
Clifton Powell
Source: Jeffrey Mayer / Getty
Michael Wright
Source: Jason LaVeris / Getty
(Michael Wright pictured far right)
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