Warren Clay Coleman, an African-American businessman in south-central North Carolina built the first black-owned and operated textile mills in the United States. Pic Credit: en.wikipedia.orgTo get financing for the mill, Coleman partnered with Washington Duke, a famous wealthy industrialist and railroad man to persuade white investors. Pic Credit: atlantablackstar.conWhen the mill opened, Coleman hired 300 people to work in his business and the mill became one of the most successful companies in the state. Cannon, the white textile entrepreneur whose Cannon Mills still operates the property today as Fieldcrest Cannon Plant acquired the mill. However, Coleman had left behind a community with thriving Black homeowners in the town of Concord.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 25, 2020 18:33 UTC