The history of Black business in America cover

The history of Black business in America

by Juliet E. K. Walker

Drawing on hundreds of primary and secondary sources, Walker has compiled the first and only comprehensive survey of Black business development to date. Chapter by chapter, Walker discusses the remarkable continuity and diversity of black business. Some of the featured enterprises include commercial real estate speculation, rural and urban land development, and construction. African-American involvement in finance and investment activities, corporate and municipal bonds, international trade, and hair care product manufacturing is also examined. Most importantly, this study puts a face on the individuals involved. Walker moves beyond vague depersonalized accounts of groups of nameless blacks, and tells the triumphant and moving stories of people like Madame C. J. Walker, the first female African-American millionaire, and Frederick Douglas Patterson, the first African-American automaker. The History of Black Business in America will prove an invaluable resource for both teachers and students of American history, business and African-American studies and is an essential addition to any library with holdings in these areas.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?