February was Black History Month, and to celebrate, we spotlighted the hidden figures of Black entrepreneurship, homeownership, and economic justice on our social media pages. From business pioneers to real estate moguls and community advocates, these are the visionaries who created opportunities, built communities, and paved the way for future generations. Their stories are not only ripe with lessons for the work needed in our world today but also a reminder that times of adversity are a call to act boldly.
Explore five of these hidden figures — and their lasting impact — below. Then, stay tuned for part two, where we shine a light on the modern-day leaders carrying their work forward.
Hidden Figure #1: Biddy Mason | 1818-1891
A trailblazing midwife, nurse, real estate mogul, and philanthropist
We begin with Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a pioneering figure whose legacy of resilience, entrepreneurship, and profound community impact continues to inspire generations. Born into slavery in 1818, she walked 2,000 miles from Mississippi to California — where she later secured her freedom through the courts in 1856.
Once free, Biddy turned her skills as a midwife and nurse into a thriving business, becoming one of the first Black women to own property in Los Angeles. Through smart real estate investments, she built a fortune worth millions in today’s dollars — but her success wasn’t just about wealth.
Biddy was a devoted philanthropist, generously funding schools, providing food for those in need, and founding the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Her life serves as a powerful testament to perseverance, financial literacy, and the importance of giving back to the community.
The Biddy Mason Award for Small Business Excellence
As we celebrate Black entrepreneurship this month, we honor Biddy Mason’s legacy — one that proves wealth is not just about what you gain but also about how you uplift others.
In honor of her enduring impact, we are thrilled to announce the Biddy Mason Award for Small Business Excellence in collaboration with Fabulous Friday Society! This award will recognize a minority-owned small business in Allegheny County that exemplifies innovation, resilience, and community impact — just as Biddy did.
Nominations are NOW OPEN! Know a small business making a difference? Or are you a business owner with a powerful story? Nominate a business today!
Hidden Figure #2: Edna Lewis | 1916-2006
The grand dame of Southern cooking
When we talk about Southern cuisine, we have to talk about Edna Lewis — the woman who preserved its roots, flavors, and legacy for generations to come. Born in 1916 in a small freedmen’s community in Virginia, Lewis grew up cooking with fresh, locally grown ingredients, long before “farm-to-table” became a trend. She carried these traditions into the culinary world, becoming one of the first nationally recognized Black chefs and an advocate for authentic Southern cooking.
Her pioneering 1976 cookbook, The Taste of Country Cooking, chronicled the rich history and traditions of Black Southern cuisine, celebrating its cultural significance and heritage.
Through her work, she demonstrated that Southern cuisine is more than just comfort food—it is a legacy, an art form, and a testament to resilience. Beyond being a chef, Lewis was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and an advocate for food justice. By highlighting the beauty of simple, seasonal ingredients, she left a lasting impact on the culinary world and paved the way for Black chefs and food entrepreneurs today.
Hidden Figure #3: Frederick Douglass Patterson | 1901-1988
A champion for education and Black business
Fredrick Douglass Patterson was a man whose vision and leadership transformed education, business, and Black economic empowerment. As the founder of the United Negro College Fund in 1944, Frederick Patterson understood that access to higher education was key to breaking cycles of poverty and creating generational wealth. His efforts provided funding for scholarships that enabled thousands of Black students to pursue higher education, build successful careers, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Beyond his commitment to education, Patterson was a dedicated champion of Black business ownership.
He co-founded the National Negro Business League, which provided resources, mentorship, and support for Black entrepreneurs, including restaurateurs and food business owners — many of whom struggled to access traditional funding and business networks due to segregation. His legacy reminds us that education and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand in building Black economic independence. Thanks to his vision, generations of Black professionals, business owners, and community leaders have been able to thrive.
Hidden Figure #4: Alonzo Herndon | 1858-1927
From enslavement to Atlanta’s first Black millionaire
Alonzo Herndon was a visionary businessman who rose from enslavement to becoming Atlanta’s first Black millionaire, leaving behind a legacy of economic empowerment and Black wealth-building. Born into slavery in 1858, Herndon overcame extreme poverty by mastering the art of barbering, eventually opening The Crystal Palace, an upscale barbershop that catered to Atlanta’s elite. But he didn’t stop there — he used his earnings to invest in real estate, acquiring more than 100 rental properties across Atlanta, helping Black families secure stable housing in a segregated society.
His greatest contribution came in 1905, when he founded Atlanta Life Insurance Company, a Black-owned business designed to provide financial security for Black families who were often denied traditional insurance services. Under his leadership, Atlanta Life grew into one of the nation’s most successful Black-owned businesses, a legacy that continues today. Herndon demonstrated that Black entrepreneurship extends beyond personal success—it is a means of building collective wealth and fostering community progress.
Hidden Figure #5: Daisy Bates | 1914-1999
A force for change in civil rights and real estate equity
The name Daisy Bates is often associated with her courageous leadership in the Little Rock Nine desegregation effort. However, beyond her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, Bates was also a real estate entrepreneur, leveraging her influence to help Black families in Arkansas achieve homeownership at a time when discriminatory banking practices excluded them. Bates understood that owning a home was one of the most powerful ways to build generational wealth, yet discriminatory practices like redlining made it nearly impossible for Black families to access loans. Refusing to accept these barriers, she worked tirelessly to help Black families purchase homes, navigate unjust financial systems, and create stable futures for their children.
In addition to her work in real estate, she and her husband ran the Arkansas State Press, a Black-owned newspaper that exposed racial injustices, challenged segregation, and advocated for Black economic empowerment. Daisy Bates didn’t just fight for equal education — she fought for economic justice, proving that true civil rights include access to housing, financial security, and ownership.
