Black people have a mutual understanding about many things —especially art and entertainment— that is unspoken, yet well-understood. 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.

The term “black famous” was recently coined to refer to celebs whose fame lies mainly within the black community. These entertainers, actors, comedians, and personalities may not be popular in the 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

 

 

Stephanie Mills

 

 

Melyssa Ford

 

 

Tom Joyner

 

 

Angela Bassett

 

 

Gerald Levert

 

 

Anita Baker

 

 

Katt Williams

 

 

Loretta Devine

 

 

Larenz Tate

 

 

Mo’Nique

 

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Vivica A. Fox

 

 

Kyla Pratt

 

 

The Temptations

 

 

Gary Owens

 

The Isley Brothers

 

Teena Marie

 

Jennifer Lewis

 

Mekhi Phifer

 

Omar Epps

 

Morris Chestnut

 

Mario Van Peebles

 

 

Kenya Moore

MYA

 

Tiffany “New York” Pollard

 

 

Robert Townsend

 

Leon “Just Leon” Robinson

 

Luenell

 

Clifton Powell

Michael Wright

(Michael Wright pictured far right)

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