🖤 Black History Stories Most People Don't Know

Summary

This video showcases the remarkable stories of African American pioneers who defied odds to achieve greatness. From Jeremiah Hamilton, the 'Prince of Darkness' of 19th-century finance, to Granville Woods, who thwarted Thomas Edison’s patent claims, and Mary Ellen Pleasant, a former slave who built a real estate empire while funding abolitionist causes, these individuals exemplify resilience. Other stories include Elizabeth Kley, America’s first Black fashion designer, and Frederick Douglass, who fought for literacy against slavery. Each tale highlights the power of determination, intellect, and vision in overcoming adversity and changing the course of history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeremiah G. Hamilton, known as the 'Prince of Darkness,' was a pioneering African-American financier who built a fortune through secretive and aggressive business tactics.
• 😀 Hamilton was the first black millionaire on Wall Street, achieving a $2 million fortune, which would be equivalent to $250 million today.
• 😀 Mary Ellen Pleasant, a former slave turned businesswoman, amassed a $30 million fortune (about $900 million today) through smart investments in real estate and other businesses.
• 😀 Pleasant used her wealth to fund abolitionist causes and assist escaped slaves in finding freedom.
• 😀 Granville Woods successfully defended his patent against Thomas Edison and went on to have a distinguished career as an inventor, earning over 50 patents.
• 😀 Woods rejected Edison’s job offer and chose independence, starting the Woods Electric Company and selling another patent to Alexander Graham Bell.
• 😀 Elizabeth Keckley, America’s first black fashion designer to dress a First Lady, used her sewing skills to purchase her freedom and later became a prominent designer in Washington D.C.
• 😀 Keckley’s designs influenced American fashion, moving away from European styles, and she used her success to support abolitionist causes.
• 😀 James Forten, a Revolutionary War veteran and successful businessman, helped fund abolitionist movements and establish educational opportunities for African-American children.
• 😀 Frederick Douglass overcame the limitations of slavery by teaching himself to read and write, becoming one of the foremost abolitionists and speakers of his time.
• 😀 Garrett Morgan, despite limited formal education, invented a traffic signal with a caution light to improve road safety, later selling the rights to General Electric for $40,000.

Q & A

Who was Jeremiah G. Hamilton and what made him a significant figure in 19th century finance?

Jeremiah G. Hamilton was the first black millionaire on Wall Street, known as the 'Prince of Darkness' for his secretive and aggressive business tactics. He amassed a fortune of $2 million (equivalent to $250 million today) and was notable for shorting stocks during market downturns, outsmarting prominent investors like Cornelius Vanderbilt.

What was the business strategy that helped Mary Ellen Pleasant achieve success?

Mary Ellen Pleasant, a former slave, moved to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. She cleverly absorbed business conversations while working for wealthy families, making savvy investments in real estate, restaurants, and boarding houses. Her wealth grew rapidly, and she used her fortune to support abolitionist causes and help escaped slaves.

How did Granville Woods stand up to Thomas Edison, and what was the result?

Granville Woods faced an attempt by Thomas Edison to steal his induction telegraph patent. Woods successfully defended his invention twice in court. Despite Edison's lucrative job offer, Woods chose independence, founded the Woods Electric Company, and continued innovating, earning over 50 patents.

What made Elizabeth Kley’s journey remarkable, and how did she contribute to American fashion?

Elizabeth Kley, born into slavery, became America's first black fashion designer to dress a First Lady. She learned sewing from her mother, bought her freedom, and opened a dressmaking business in Washington, D.C. Her designs introduced clean lines and elegance, and she became a confidant to Mary Todd Lincoln, helping establish the Contraband Relief Association for freed slaves.

What challenges did James Foron overcome, and how did he contribute to abolitionist causes?

James Foron, born to free black parents, overcame the death of his father and later escaped being sold into slavery. He became a successful businessman, creating an integrated workforce in his sail-making business. Foron used his wealth to fund abolitionist causes, including The Liberator newspaper, and supported education for black children.

How did Frederick Douglass demonstrate determination to gain knowledge despite the risks?

Frederick Douglass, a slave, was forbidden from learning to read, but he cunningly traded bread for lessons with local white boys. Despite the harsh opposition from his mistress, he continued learning and eventually became one of the foremost abolitionist speakers of his time.

What was Garrett Morgan's invention, and why was it significant?

Garrett Morgan invented a traffic signal with a caution light, designed to improve traffic safety by giving drivers time to react. This life-saving device was later sold to General Electric for $40,000, marking a significant contribution to traffic safety.

How did Mary Ellen Pleasant use her wealth beyond business success?

In addition to her financial success, Mary Ellen Pleasant used her wealth to fund abolitionist causes and assist escaped slaves. She became a philanthropist, helping to fund the Underground Railroad and working for racial equality.

What role did Jeremiah G. Hamilton play in the stock market during downturns?

Jeremiah G. Hamilton was one of the few investors who successfully shorted stocks during market downturns. His ability to predict and profit from these downturns helped him outsmart many of his wealthier rivals and build a fortune.

What was the significance of the Contraband Relief Association founded by Elizabeth Kley?

The Contraband Relief Association, founded by Elizabeth Kley with her influence as a designer and confidant to Mary Todd Lincoln, helped provide support to freed slaves. The organization was part of her broader efforts to fight for racial justice and support the abolition of slavery.