Sonny’s People of Interest: 28 Black History Legends to Get You Started Buying Black
Hey fam, it’s Sonny. When we talk about Black History, we usually focus on the struggle, the marches, and the speeches. And while that’s vital, there’s another side to our history that’s just as powerful: our economic brilliance. Throughout February, I sat down and curated a list of 28 icons who didn't just break barriers, they built industries.
This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a blueprint. At The Black Wall Streets, we believe that knowing our past is the key to owning our future. That’s why for every legend on this list, I’ve included a "Modern Money Move." It’s time to take that inspiration and turn it into a commitment to #Buyblack.
Let’s get into the 28 legends who remind us why we shop with purpose at blackwallstreets.store.
1. Madam C.J. Walker: The Empire Builder
The first self-made female millionaire in America. She didn't just sell hair products; she sold confidence and economic independence to thousands of Black women.
Modern Money Move: Take care of your crown. Support Black-owned beauty and grooming brands that understand our texture and our worth. Check out our hair accessories to elevate your daily routine.
2. Thomas L. Jennings: The First Patent
In 1821, Jennings became the first Black person to receive a U.S. patent for "dry scouring" (the predecessor to dry cleaning). He used his profits to buy his family’s freedom and fund abolitionist causes.
Modern Money Move: Innovation is in our DNA. When you #Buyblack, you are funding the next great invention.
3. Maggie Lena Walker: The People's Banker
The first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president. She knew that "a penny saved is a penny earned," but a penny circulated in the community is power.
Modern Money Move: Circulate your dollars. Every purchase on our marketplace keeps wealth within our community.
4. Garrett Morgan: The Safety Pioneer
The man behind the three-light traffic signal and the gas mask. Morgan was a serial entrepreneur who understood that solving problems is the fastest way to build a business.
Modern Money Move: Look for products that solve your everyday needs. From keychains and lanyards to household essentials, make sure your utility spend supports a Black creator.
5. Annie Lee Cooper: The Gatekeeper of the Vote
Known for her fierce spirit in the Selma voting rights movement, Cooper showed us that standing your ground is a prerequisite for progress.
Modern Money Move: Use your "economic vote." Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of world you want to see.
6. Frederick McKinley Jones: The Logistics King
With over 60 patents, Jones invented the mobile refrigeration technology that allows us to transport perishable food and medicine. He literally cooled the world down.
Modern Money Move: Respect the hustle of Black logistics and tech. Support businesses that are innovating in the supply chain space.
7. Bessie Coleman: The High Flyer
"Queen Bess" was the first Black woman to hold a pilot’s license. She refused to take "no" for an answer and went all the way to France to get her wings.
Modern Money Move: Reach for new heights in your style. Whether you’re traveling or just stepping out, look the part with our sunglasses and eyewear.
8. Marsha P. Johnson: The Catalyst
A central figure in the Stonewall uprising, Marsha reminded us that liberation must be inclusive. Her "money moves" were often about survival and mutual aid.
Modern Money Move: Support Black LGBTQ+ creators. Inclusivity makes our economy stronger and our culture richer.
9. Sojourner Truth: The Truth Teller
An abolitionist and women's rights activist who famously asked, "Ain't I a woman?" She understood the power of the platform and the image.
Modern Money Move: Own your narrative. Wear pieces that represent your heritage and your truth.
10. Mansa Musa: The Golden Standard
The ruler of the Mali Empire and arguably the wealthiest individual in human history. He didn't just have gold; he invested in education and architecture.
Modern Money Move: Think legacy, not just luxury. When you buy quality jewelry and accessories, you’re investing in pieces that last.
11. John H. Johnson: The Media Mogul
The founder of Ebony and Jet. He proved that the Black consumer market was a force to be reckoned with when the mainstream ignored us.
Modern Money Move: Support Black-owned media and platforms. We are our own best advertisers.
12. Berry Gordy: The Sound of Success
The founder of Motown. He applied the assembly line principles of Detroit’s auto industry to music, creating a global phenomenon.
Modern Money Move: Harmonize your spending. Look for Black-owned entertainment and lifestyle brands that bring joy to your home.
13. A.G. Gaston: The Serial Entrepreneur
From funeral homes to insurance and banking, Gaston was a titan in Birmingham. He lived by the motto: "Find a need and fill it."
Modern Money Move: Diversify your support. Don’t just buy clothes; look for Black-owned services, too.
14. Elizabeth Keckley: The Designer to the Elite
Born into slavery, she bought her freedom and became the personal modiste and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. Her craftsmanship was unmatched.
Modern Money Move: Invest in craftsmanship. Our scarves and wraps offer that same touch of elegance and quality.
15. Jan Ernst Matzeliger: The Shoemaker’s Savior
He invented the lasting machine, which revolutionized shoe manufacturing and made footwear affordable for the masses.
Modern Money Move: Value efficiency. Support Black businesses that use tech to make quality products accessible.
16. Sarah Boone: The Domestic Innovator
In 1892, Sarah Boone patented an improvement to the ironing board, designed specifically for the sleeves of women's garments.
Modern Money Move: Support Black women in the home and lifestyle space. Small improvements lead to big changes.
17. Lewis Latimer: The Light Bringer
While Edison gets the credit for the bulb, Latimer invented the carbon filament that made the light bulb practical and long-lasting.
Modern Money Move: Be the light. Share your favorite Black-owned finds with your friends to help our community shine.
18. Granville T. Woods: The "Black Edison"
With over 50 patents, mostly related to trains and streetcars, Woods was a giant in the transportation industry.
Modern Money Move: Keep the momentum going. Every time you #Buyblack, you’re fueling the engine of our community's economy.
19. Elijah McCoy: The Real McCoy
He held 57 patents, mostly for steam engine lubricators. His quality was so high that engineers would ask for "the real McCoy."
Modern Money Move: Don't settle for imitations. When you shop at blackwallstreets.store, you’re getting the authentic, high-quality experience our community deserves.
20. Reginald Lewis: The Billion-Dollar Man
The first Black American to build a billion-dollar company (Beatrice Foods). He proved that we belong at the highest tables of global finance.
Modern Money Move: Aim high. Support Black-owned businesses that are scaling and competing on a global stage.
21. Cathy Hughes: The Voice of the Airwaves
Founder of Urban One, she became the first Black woman to head a publicly traded company. She started with one radio station and built an empire.
Modern Money Move: Listen to our stories. Support businesses that prioritize the Black experience in their branding and products.
22. Robert Reed Church: The South's First Black Millionaire
A business titan in Memphis who bought the first bond issued by the city after the yellow fever epidemic. He literally helped rebuild his city.
Modern Money Move: Reinvest in your neighborhood. Support local Black vendors through our marketplace.
23. O.W. Gurley: The Visionary of Greenwood
The man who purchased 40 acres in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and ensured it was only sold to other Black people. He birthed the original Black Wall Street.
Modern Money Move: Build the "Wall." By shopping at The Black Wall Streets, you are part of a digital version of Gurley’s vision: a protected space for Black economic growth.
24. J.B. Stradford: The Hotelier of Tulsa
He owned the finest Black-owned hotel in the country in Greenwood. He believed that if we pooled our resources, we could be self-sufficient.
Modern Money Move: Hospitality matters. When you travel, seek out Black-owned accommodations and travel accessories like our cosmetic and toiletry bags.
25. Mary Ellen Pleasant: The Mother of Civil Rights in California
A 19th-century entrepreneur and real estate magnate who used her fortune to fund the Underground Railroad and fight for civil rights.
Modern Money Move: Use your wealth as a weapon for good. Your purchases fund businesses that give back to our community.
26. Lonnie Johnson: The Fun Engineer
The NASA engineer who gave us the Super Soaker. He proved that Black brilliance can also be about joy and play.
Modern Money Move: Don’t forget to have fun. Treat yourself to something stylish, like a new baseball or trucker hat.
27. Dr. Percy Julian: The Chemist
A pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. He laid the foundation for modern medicine while overcoming intense racial barriers.
Modern Money Move: Health is wealth. Support Black-owned wellness and apothecary brands.
28. James Forten: The Sail Maker
A wealthy abolitionist and businessman who owned one of the most successful sail lofts in Philadelphia. He used his wealth to keep the movement afloat.
Modern Money Move: Finish strong. Make #Buyblack a daily habit, not just a monthly celebration.
Why This Matters Today
Sonny put this list together because we can’t just talk about history: we have to live it. These 28 legends didn't wait for permission to be great; they built their own systems.
Today, we have the tools they could only dream of. We have a global marketplace at our fingertips. When you visit blackwallstreets.store, you’re not just shopping; you’re continuing the legacy of O.W. Gurley, Madam C.J. Walker, and James Forten.
Whether you're looking for jewelry, winter beanies, or the perfect headband, make sure your modern money move reflects our incredible history.
Stay empowered, stay legendary, and keep buying Black.
