LESSONS from LEADERS: William F. Pickard, Ph.D.

TELLING OUR STORY Atlanta Business League Podcasts

This podcast is a 30 minute history lesson.
When you listen, you'll hear stories about Black entrepreneurs who lived in 1800s, 1900s and 20th century that will make your jaw drop. That's because William F. Pickard, Ph.D. qualifies to be a part of this series for two reasons. He's a very successful Black business owner with more than 50 years of experience that includes owning a McDonald's franchise, a casino co-owner and being a parts supplier to major car manufacturers in Detroit, MI. He's also a researcher and his field of choice is Black business history.
He's a great story teller and shares facts most people have never heard.
He spends a little more than 30 minutes describing what Black people did about banking - in the days before white owned financial institutions would accept their business. He tells a fascinating tale about the family of Horace L. King, a Black builder who started constructing bridges while enslaved. He also explains why there were devastating financial penalties attached to several Black industries after integration swept the nation.
Along the way he drops hints to the fact that he's a billionaire. But he's one who is committed to Black business development and has backed that belief with his dollars.
However, it's probably the final story of the podcast that may stick with you the longest. Dr. Pickard talks about how the Negro Education Association in Georgia, made all Black schools teach civics and political science classes - in 1920. He doesn't say it. But listeners will understand that a 20-year-old person taking one of those courses that year, wouldn't be able to apply what was learned - until 1964. If that doesn't make sense to you - listen to the podcast. It will. You'll also see why it's a privilege and is of incredible value to have a gifted successful and articulate person, show such passion for Black business history.