From Rags to Riches: The Story of Alonzo Herndon
Alonzo Herndon, born into enslavement in Social Circle in 1858, ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. An entrepreneur at heart, he learned barbering and eventually opened his own shop called the Crystal Palace. He later founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Carole Merritt, director of Herndon Home, takes students on a tour of the house where Alonzo Herndon lived with his wife Adrienne and their son Norris.
From Rags to Riches: The Story of Alonzo Herndon
Alonzo Herndon, born into enslavement in Social Circle in 1858, ultimately became Atlanta's first African-American millionaire. An entrepreneur at heart, he learned barbering and eventually opened his own shop called the Crystal Palace. He later founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Carole Merritt, director of Herndon Home, takes students on a tour of the house where Alonzo Herndon lived with his wife Adrienne and their son Norris.
Social Studies
Explain the roles of Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. DuBois, and Alonzo Herndon in advancement of the rights of African Americans or Blacks in the New South Era.
1. Alonzo Herndon made his fortune as an entrepreneur, which is someone who creates and runs their own business. Why might this have been one of the few ways for African Americans to obtain wealth and upper-class status after the Civil War?
2. Why do you think Alonzo Herndon displayed murals about his African-American heritage in his home?
3. How does Alonzo Herndon's story embody "The American Dream"?
1. Make a list of key character traits demonstrated by Alonzo Herndon. Discuss these traits and describe how each one contributed to Herndon’s success.
2. Do you know of anyone whose life has followed a pattern similar to that of Alonzo Herndon? If so, interview or read about that person’s life. Write a story, create a slide presentation, or record a video about this person to share it with your class. Include how this person’s life has affected your life.
The American Dream: a social ideal revolving around the attainment of a high standard of living
Black Bourgeoisie: African Americans in the middle class; the bourgeoisie is generally a business class
entrepreneur: one who creates a product or undertakes an industrial enterprise in which workers are employed
Jim Crow laws: laws developed specifically to oppress African Americans and to promote segregation between the races
Odd Fellows Society: an organization formed in America during the 19th century whose motto is "to provide friendship, demonstrate charity, and pursue truth," and through these endeavors to promote fellowship among people
Republican Party: one of two major political parties in the United States; Republican interests are generally business and trade-focused, therefore identified with the bourgeoisie
segregation: separation from others, often in terms of racial segregation
1. Alonzo Herndon made his fortune as an entrepreneur, which is someone who creates and runs their own business. Why might this have been one of the few ways for African Americans to obtain wealth and upper-class status after the Civil War?
Because of recent enslavement, many African Americans lacked a formal education. They became entrepreneurs to rise out of the role of servant, subsistence farmer, or menial worker.
2. Why do you think Alonzo Herndon displayed murals about his African-American heritage in his home?
The Herndons were proud to be African Americans. Alonzo wanted to remind himself and others of how he began his life in enslavement but became a successful business owner, provider for his family, and leader in his community.
3. How does Alonzo Herndon's story embody "The American Dream"?
Despite his beginnings in enslavement, Alonzo Herndon built a life of success and altruism through hard work and determination.
