Cleveland’s first Black millionaire helps drive others to success
Spectrum News: John Grabowski, the Krieger-Mueller Joint Professor in History, explained how Alonzo Wright, Cleveland’s first Black millionaire, built wealth through Sohio gas stations and later real estate. “He was a smart guy,” said Grabowski, noting Wright’s exceptional service model. By 1940, Wright employed more Black youths than any U.S. businessman, including a young Jesse Owens.
