By Sunday, January 19, TikTok will likely be banned in the U.S. Although the app will still be available for users who have it downloaded on their mobile devices, it won’t be found on app stores to download, meaning it can no longer be updated. The app has changed the lives of many Black Americans and have proved to be a valuable and powerful tool, which is why politicians claim they want it in the hands of Americans not the Chinese. With that in mind, we turned our thoughts to those Black Billionaires who have the ability to buy the app either collectively or individually.
Why is TikTok being banned?
First things first: The U.S. government thinks that TikTok is a threat to national security since they believe that the app’s parent company, ByteDance, could share user data with the Chinese Government.
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How could the ban be stopped?
In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed legislation that stated that the only way the popular social media app can stay present in the United States is if ByteDance Ltd sells the app to a U.S. company by January 19.
Is Trump going to do anything about it?
As the newly-elected President of the United States, it’s been thrown out that Trump could pause the ban or buy the app itself. However, there’s been no evidence that he would do so before the ban is set to go into effect.
Is Elon Musk going to step in?
As someone who has bought a popular social media app before, Elon Musk is another billionaire who has been thrown out as a person to buy TikTok. However, Chinese officials have denied that rumor.
Meek Mill to save the day?
Meek Mill offered to come to the rescue, recently writing on X, “Sell tik tok to me!” Obviously, he wasn’t taken seriously, leading to Black Twitter clowning him over it.
Robert F. Smith
Now, let’s get into the Black billionaires who might be able to pool their money to help save TikTok in the U.S.
As the founder of Vista Equity Partners, Smith is one of the richest Black men in the world, with a net worth of $10.8 billion. As someone who focuses on investing in software companies, investing in a social media app does not feel like a drastic pivot.
Bob Johnson
The founder of BET and the former owner of the Charlotte Bobcats has never been shy about investing in companies he believes he can profit from. Could he lead a group of investors and save TikTok?
Magic Johnson
Likely the most energetic and lively person on this list, Magic Johnson loves to make a big show when he makes a new business investment. Just imagine the show he’ll put on if he helps save TikTok.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan seems to be focused on his NASCAR team and selling sneakers. However, if he was able to get ahold of TikTok, his legend status would only grow with the younger generation.
Oprah Winfrey
It’s hard to doubt Oprah. Damn-near everything she puts her mind to she achieves. If she thinks she can save TikTok, then who are we to not believe her?
Tyler Perry
Yes, Tyler Perry is a billionaire and has the cheese that could help lead a group to buy the popular social media app. Just imagine the ways he would promote all of his future movies and TV shows.
Rihanna
Rihanna is already a social media darling. Her popularity would increase tenfold if she helped keep TikTok in the U.S. Not to mention, the sales of her Fenty products would skyrocket even more.
Jay-Z
As the founder of Roc Nation, being a part of a group that buys TikTok could be a big benefit to Hov and his company. The app regularly launches the careers of up-and-coming artists and creates viral hits almost weekly.
Dr. Dre
As a fellow music exec, Dr. Dre could also benefit from being a part of TikTok’s brass in the United States.
LeBron James
TikTok’s favorite basketball player. Already a living legend, if LeBron teamed up with some of his other wealthy friends, just imagine how much his legacy would be impacted.
Straight From 
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