What's Happening?
The Black Wide-Awake blog has published an article detailing the historical employment of African Americans at the Wilson Marble & Granite Company in Wilson, North Carolina. The piece highlights individuals like Freddie Sauls and Clarence B. Best, whose
death certificates and city directories confirm their work at the marble company. Sauls and Turner Mitchell were employed as stone polishers as early as 1912. The company, also known as Wilson Marble, Mantle & Tile around 1920, was established in 1908 by E.L. Cobb, succeeding J.C. Lanier’s Wilson Marble Company, which began operations by 1891. Clarence Best, initially a stone rubber, became a marble cutter and later designed and cut headstones for African-American clients as a side business. After 32 years with E.L. Cobb, Best opened his own monument business in 1946. William J. Brake also worked for Wilson Marble as a driver in 1928.
Why It's Important?
This historical account from Black Wide-Awake sheds light on the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of African Americans to local industries in the early 20th century U.S. It illustrates how individuals like Clarence B. Best not only performed skilled labor but also demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by establishing their own businesses, serving their communities. The documentation of these roles, from stone polishers to marble cutters and drivers, provides crucial insights into the economic activities and labor landscape for African Americans during a period of significant racial segregation and limited opportunities. Such narratives are vital for understanding the full scope of American economic history and the resilience of Black communities in building their livelihoods and contributing to the broader economy.
What's Next?
The ongoing work of platforms like Black Wide-Awake will continue to uncover and document similar historical narratives, enriching the understanding of African American contributions to various industries and local economies across the U.S. Researchers and historians may use this information to further explore labor practices, entrepreneurship, and community development within Black communities during the early 20th century. This documentation can also serve as a resource for educational institutions and local historical societies looking to provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of American history. The focus on specific individuals and their career paths offers valuable case studies for examining the challenges and successes faced by African American workers and business owners.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of African Americans working in industries like marble and granite, and eventually establishing their own businesses, speaks to a deeper narrative of self-sufficiency and community building in the face of systemic discrimination. These historical accounts challenge simplistic views of the past by highlighting the agency and skill of Black laborers and entrepreneurs. The ability of individuals like Clarence B. Best to transition from employee to business owner, specifically catering to African-American clients, underscores the creation of parallel economies and support systems within segregated societies. This historical context is crucial for understanding the roots of economic disparities and the enduring legacy of racial inequality, while also celebrating the perseverance and ingenuity of those who built foundations for future generations.
