Ibram X. Kendi Highest-Paid Activist in the World

It's been a rough year for the activist, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 44-year-old Ibram X. Kendi has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid activists for 2026 with an estimated $75 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 17/09/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Ibram X. Kendi tops annual list of highest-paid activists

In 2024 it looked like the activist’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Wednesday (September 16) that Kendi is the highest-paid activist in the world, pulling in an astonishing $75 million between August 2025 and August 2026, a nearly $40 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American activist-author has an estimated net worth of $215 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Kendi Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “New York Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderkendi - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Ibram X.) and a fashion line called “Ibram X. Kendi Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Ibram X. fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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