Profiles

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Documented lives of Black entrepreneurs, inventors, institution builders, and economic leaders—each profile grounded in primary sources and Institute verification.

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Showing 10–15 of 15 profiles

Paul Cuffe

1759–1817

Merchant, Shipowner, Shipbuilder, Sea Captain, Community Advocate

Merchant, shipowner and sea captain based in Westport, Massachusetts. Vessel, trade and community evidence is classified claim by claim; original financial records remain under research.

Biddy Mason

Biddy Mason

1818–1891

Midwife, Property Owner, Community Benefactor

Bridget “Biddy” Mason: midwifery, property ownership and community support in Los Angeles. Evidence classified claim by claim; original deeds and complete probate research remain in progress.

Mary Ellen Pleasant

Mary Ellen Pleasant

c.1814–1904

Entrepreneur, Property Investor, Abolitionist, Civil Rights Advocate

Entrepreneur, property investor and civil rights advocate whose financial record is traced through deeds, litigation, correspondence and attributed accounts.

John H. Johnson

1918–2005

Publisher, Entrepreneur, Media Executive

Publisher and entrepreneur whose magazine enterprise is traced through rights, contributor compensation, distribution, subscription service and editorial correspondence.

John Merrick

1859–1919

Insurance Founder · Barber · Business Organizer

Insurance founder and Durham business organizer. Founding president of the North Carolina Mutual and Provident Association, with earlier work in barbering, property and fraternal insurance. Company finances and personal wealth are examined separately.

A. G. Gaston

1892–1996

Insurance Founder · Funeral Services · Banking · Education · Hospitality

Birmingham entrepreneur who developed burial insurance, funeral services, banking, vocational education, lodging and broadcasting enterprises. Research in Progress; corporate and economic claims are sourced individually.

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