Celebrating African Americans in Business

In celebration of Black History Month, Merchant Resources International would like to recognize the various accomplishments of African Americans in business, of the past and the present.  Below is a list of firsts in business, some you may know and others may be new to you.

The First African American…

To Hold a Patent

1821 – Thomas L. Jennings, for the “dry scouring” cleaning process.

Owned-and-Operated Newspaper

1827 – Freedom’s Journal

Owned and Operated College

1863 – Wilberforce College, Ohio

Woman to Hold a Patent

1885 – Sarah E. Goode for the cabinet bed.

Woman to Found and Become President of a Bank

1903 – Maggie L. Walker, St. Luke Penny Savings Bank (since 1930 the Consolidated Bank & Trust Company)

Millionaire

1910 – Madam C.J. Walker – Owner of Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

Graduate of Harvard Business School

1969 – Lillian Lincoln

Owners of a Radio Station

1971 – Hal Jackson and Percy Sutton, WLIB – New York

Owners of a Major Metropolitan Newspaper

1981 – Robert C. and Nancy Hicks – The Oakland Tribune

Billionaire

2001 – Robert L. Johnson – Founder of Black Entertainment Television