Investing in the stock market has long been one of the most effective ways to build wealth. However, many Black investors have been historically excluded from financial markets due to systemic barriers, lack of generational wealth, and limited access to investment education. Fortunately, things are changing.
With more Black investors stepping into the market, there’s a growing interest in investing in companies that align with diversity, equity, and financial empowerment. But with so many options—stocks, ETFs, crypto, and real estate—it can be challenging to know where to start.
Why More Black Investors Are Turning to the Stock Market
For years, Black Americans have had lower participation rates in the stock market compared to white Americans. According to the Federal Reserve, about 61 percent of white households own stocks, compared to just 34 percent of Black households.
However, that trend is shifting. More Black investors are realizing that stocks provide an opportunity to build long-term wealth, close the racial wealth gap, and create financial security for future generations.
RELATED: The Breakdown: The Basics To Buying & Trading Stocks
Why More Black Investors Are Getting Involved
- Wealth-building opportunities – The stock market has historically provided an average return of seven to 10 percent per year, significantly higher than traditional savings accounts.
- Increased access to financial education – Platforms like Earn Your Leisure, Market Mondays, and Black Wealth Renaissance are making investment knowledge more accessible to Black communities.
- Technology makes investing easier – Apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, and Acorns allow beginners to start investing with little money.
- Desire for financial independence – Many Black investors are shifting away from relying solely on traditional jobs and are looking for passive income opportunities.
Top Stocks That Support Diversity & Black-Owned Companies
If you’re looking to invest in companies that support diversity, Black-owned businesses, or industries that empower Black communities, here are some of the top stocks to consider in 2025.
1, Urban One (UONE) – Black-Owned Media Company
Urban One is the largest Black-owned media company in the U.S., owning multiple radio stations, TV networks, and digital platforms that focus on Black culture.
- Why Invest? Urban One continues to expand its influence, especially in digital media and streaming services.
- Stock Potential: With more companies focusing on Black-targeted advertising, Urban One stands to grow significantly.
2. Tesla (TSLA) – A Commitment to Workforce Diversity
While Tesla is not Black-owned, the company has made strides in hiring more Black engineers and executives in tech and clean energy, an industry where Black representation has historically been low.
- Why Invest? Tesla remains a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) space, which continues to expand globally.
- Stock Potential: With growing global adoption of EVs and AI-driven automation, Tesla is set for long-term growth.
3. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) – Investing in Black Businesses
JPMorgan Chase has invested over $30 billion in initiatives supporting Black entrepreneurs, homeownership, and financial literacy.
- Why Invest? JPMorgan is one of the world’s strongest banks and has a track record of stable returns.
- Stock Potential: With rising interest rates, banks are making more profits, making this a solid long-term investment.
4. Amazon (AMZN) – Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Amazon has initiatives that help Black-owned businesses sell products on its platform, increasing visibility and profits for small businesses.
- Why Invest? Amazon is expanding into AI, cloud computing, and logistics, making it one of the best growth stocks.
- Stock Potential: With its dominance in e-commerce and cloud services, Amazon remains a strong long-term investment.
Real Estate, Crypto, or ETFs: What’s Best for You?
Not everyone wants to invest in individual stocks—and that’s okay. There are other options, like real estate, cryptocurrency, and ETFs, that can help you diversify your portfolio.
1. Real Estate – A Proven Path to Wealth
Real estate has been a powerful tool for Black wealth-building for decades. Owning property provides both passive income (through rentals) and long-term appreciation.
Best Real Estate Investment Options
- Buying rental properties.
- Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which let you invest in real estate without owning physical property.
- House hacking (buying a multi-unit property and renting out other units).
2. Cryptocurrency – High Risk, High Reward
Crypto is still a volatile investment, but it has provided life-changing returns for some investors. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) remain the most popular options.
- Why Invest? Crypto is becoming more mainstream, with companies and governments adopting blockchain technology.
- Risks: Prices fluctuate heavily, so only invest what you can afford to lose.
3. ETFs – The Easiest Way to Invest in the Stock Market
If you don’t want to pick individual stocks, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) allow you to invest in multiple stocks at once.
Best ETFs for Black Investors:
- BLCK ETF – Focuses on companies that promote Black leadership.
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) – A safe, long-term oiShares U.S. Real Estate ption that tracks the overall stock market.
- ETF (IYR) – For those who want to invest in real estate without buying property.
How to Start Investing with as Little as $100
A common misconception is that you need thousands of dollars to start investing, but that’s not true. With just $100, you can begin building wealth in the stock market.
Steps to Get Started
- Choose an Investment Platform. Robinhood, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, or Charles Schwab offer zero-commission stock trading.
- Invest in Fractional Shares. Many platforms let you buy partial shares of expensive stocks (e.g., $100 of Amazon instead of $3,000 per share).
- Pick an ETF for Safety. If you’re unsure which stocks to buy, invest in an ETF like VOO, which spreads your money across hundreds of top companies.
- Set Up Automatic Investing. Even if you only invest $10 per week, consistency is key to growing your wealth over time.
Where Should Black Investors Put Their Money?
Investing is a powerful tool for closing the racial wealth gap, but it requires smart decisions, patience, and consistency. Whether you choose stocks, real estate, crypto, or ETFs, the key is to get started today.
The future of Black wealth starts with the investments we make today.