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William Alexander Leidesdorff is probably one of the
best-kept secrets in the pioneering of the West and the creation of the
State of California. Born out of wedlock in St. Croix, Danish West
Indies in 1810 to a Jewish Danish sugar planter and a black plantation
worker, he went on to become the first Black millionaire when gold was
found on his property shortly before he died in 1848.
What they are saying...
Then-California Assemblyman Dave Cox in Assembly
Concurrent Resolution No. 131
..a prominent civic leader and pioneer in the successful quest for
California to become the 31st state in the United States. He
was elected Treasurer of the City of San Francisco, owned the largest
home in the city, constructed the first City Hotel, built the first
commercial shipping warehouse, and donated the land to build the first
public school in California.
Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the
United Negro College Fund.
The life of William Alexander Leidesdorff is the kind of
African-American success story that deserves its proper place in
history. Young people, both Black and White, need to know that even
during the era of slavery, African-Americans were leaders among the
pioneers who settled the West and built our great cities. The fact that
Leidesdorff served on San Francisco's first school board and helped to
start the city's first school attests to the importance that
African-Americans accorded education even on the frontier and even in
that difficult time"
Martin McGuinn,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mellon Financial
Corporation
"As the original source material in Gary
Palgon's biography makes clear, many of William Leidesdorff's
most notable accomplishments relate to his participation in the
beginnings of business and commerce in California. The achievements of
this African-American entrepreneur, diplomat and California pioneer
are truly remarkable."
Don S. McClure,
DonSMcClureConsultants.com, The largest black history website in the US.
"It is important to share the life and success of such a great
African-American with the world. His story will guide so many others
to desire and accomplish much with their own dreams. I salute you for
making this information possible to those who might not get the chance
to read about William Alexander Leidesdorff.
To order a copy of the book, click here:
William
Alexander Leidesdorff: First Black Millionaire, American Consul and California Pioneer
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To order a copy of the book, click here:
William
Alexander Leidesdorff: First Black Millionaire, American Consul and California Pioneer
Click below to read the press releases
Leidesdorf Book Series Chronicles Historical Contributions to Mankind
New Book Chronicles Life of First Black Millionaire, American Consul and
California Pioneer
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