african american businesspeople

Presents a biography of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, covering his childhood, his adult years, and some of his most well-known inventions. Includes a glossary, a list of additional resources, and critical thinking questions using the Common Core.

Truman K. Gibson Jr. recounts his involvement in the struggle for racial justice, describing his efforts to end segregation in the armed forces and gain equal rights for African-Americans.

In Building Atlanta, Russell shares his inspiring life story and reveals how he overcame racism, poverty, and a debilitating speech impediment to become one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs, Atlanta civic leaders, and unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. Not just a typical rags-to-riches story, Russell achieved his success through focus, planning, and humility, and he shares his winning advice throughout.

The story of Frederick Bruce Thomas, born in 1872 to former slaves who became prosperous farmers in Mississippi. A rich white planter's attempt to steal their land forced them to flee to Memphis, where Frederick's father was brutally murdered. After leaving the South and working as a waiter and valet in Chicago and Brooklyn, Frederick sought greater freedom in London, then crisscrossed Europe, and-- in a highly unusual choice for a Black American at the time-- went to Russia in 1899. Because he found no color line there, Frederick made Moscow his home. He renamed himself Fyodor Fyodorovich Tomas, married twice, acquired a mistress, and took Russian citizenship. Through his hard work, charm, and guile he became one of the city's richest and most famous owners of variety theaters and restaurants. The Bolshevik Revolution ruined him, and he barely escaped with his life and family to Constantinople in 1919. Starting from scratch, he made a second fortune by opening celebrated nightclubs that introduced jazz to Turkey. However, the long arm of American racism, the xenophobia of the new Turkish Republic, and Frederick's own extravagance landed him in debtor's prison. He died in Constantinople in 1928.

A biography of William J. Powell, an African American golfer, discussing his becoming a caddie and learning to play golf, the discrimination he faced trying to compete, and building his own golf course where anyone was welcome.

Three interviews/profiles of noted & respected Afro-American entrepreneurs: John H. Johnson, Joshua Smith, & Oprah Winfrey. All are role models for Afro-American youth and stress the importance of self-esteem, motivation, perseverance, education, and dedication to hard work as a foundation for success.

Profiles African Americans who overcame obstacles and became successful through goals, determination, and hard work.

Profiles a variety of African-American entrepreneurs, from the early years, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, to modern times.