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Atlanta, Georgia
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Alonzo Herndon, who became one of the first African American millionaires, was born into slavery in 1858 in Walton County, Georgia.
Herndon started a barbershop in Atlanta that catered to an elite clientele, including prominent businessmen and politicians.
In 1905, Alonzo Herndon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, which became one of the largest African American-owned businesses in the United States.
Herndon was a significant supporter of civil rights organizations and used his wealth to fund various initiatives for African American advancement.
The Herndon Home, built in 1910, is now a museum that showcases his life and contributions to Atlanta's history.
The Herndon Home is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture, reflecting the grandeur and elegance of the early 20th century.
Besides his insurance business, Herndon invested in real estate, owning several properties in Atlanta, which contributed to his wealth.
Herndon was a benefactor to several educational institutions, including Atlanta University, now part of Clark Atlanta University.
