Local black business giants highlighted in local author’s text
By Sarah E. Crest,
Special at AFRO
Harold D. Young chronicles the evolution of African American business leaders in his new book, “From Lunch Protests to Corporate America,” showcasing black excellence and innovation.
From the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to the Black Business Hall of Fame, the book details events at the Baltimore Marketing Association (BMA) and a variety of events that have affected black entrepreneurs over the years.
Young chronicles the struggles of African American professionals through the life and leadership of Ackneil M. Muldrow II.
Readers are introduced to college student Muldrow as a participant in the historic 1960 lunch counter protest in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduating from A&T University in North Carolina, Muldrow began his professional career as a temporary teacher at Booker T. Washington Junior High School in Baltimore. In the fall of 1961, he obtained a full-time position.
In 1964, Muldrow was admitted to Montgomery Ward’s management training program. He would later recall that he was the nation’s first African American accepted into the program. From that first opportunity, Muldrow worked his way through local businesses, honing his skills and knowledge as he rose.
In 1966, he was hired by the Commercial Credit Corporation (CCC) as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. In this position, Muldrow charted a course for himself and promoted opportunities for young African Americans.
During his tenure at CCC, Muldrow was invited to a meeting of the National Association of Market Developers (NAMD). He hoped the organization would provide significant support to growing African-American businessmen, but the parent organization’s goals conflicted with the local chapter’s goals. The Baltimore chapter sought to provide information about corporate culture, new opportunities, and continuing education to its members. The Baltimore Chapter of NAMD severed its relationship with the national organization in 1967 and became the Baltimore Marketing Association (BMA).
The five founding fathers of the BMA – Chairman John Rich, members Ackneil M. Muldrow II, Gary Reynolds, Roland Henson and Eugene Smith – all worked for major companies in the Baltimore area. Muldrow became the organization’s second president.
Young details Muldrow’s leadership model, the growth of the organization, and the development of leadership scholarships and awards. The BMA has also initiated economic projects with the US Small Business Administration and worked with the US Commission on Civil Rights.
The book concludes with the Black Business Hall of Fame, which includes Baltimore personalities like AFRO-American Newspaper founder John H. Murphy Sr., Arena Players fundraiser Camilla White Sherrard, and expert salesman and entrepreneur, Henry G. Parks.
The book is an informative read that provides a history of the development of African American business and marketing professionals in the Baltimore area.
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