African American business history

African American business history is the story of African Americans who have created successful businesses. Starting in the 1800s, African Americans faced many challenges and disadvantages when trying to start and run businesses, due to racism and lack of money and resources. Despite these challenges, many African Americans still managed to create their own businesses which helped them to build wealth and financial security for themselves and their families. Famous African American business owners from history include Madam C.J. Walker, who created a successful line of beauty products and became one of the first self-made female millionaires, and Robert Smalls, who successfully bought his own steamboat and went on to become a prominent figure in politics. Today, African Americans own 8.6 million businesses, which is a testament to the hard work and determination of those early entrepreneurs who laid the groundwork for the success of their community.