Question of the Day [Black History Month]: Who was Wall Street's first Black millionaire?
Answer: Jeremiah G. Hamilton
Questions:
- Despite the controversy of Wall Street at the time and his success, what can we learn from Jeremiah G. Hamilton's story? How can he inspire you to pursue success financially?
- Who do you look up to as a person who is successful with their finances? Why?
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What are some strategies that you could use to build your wealth over time?
Behind the numbers (Blackhistory.com):
"In the mid-1800's, Jeremiah G. Hamilton was a well-known African American figure on Wall Street. Although his origins were lowly, possibly (enslaved), he was reportedly the richest Black man in the United States, possessing a fortune of $2 million, or in excess of $250 million in today’s currency.
He used a lot of his fortune to invest in real estate. For example, he paid about $7 million to buy up quite a bit of land and property in areas known today in New York as Astoria and Poughkeepsie."
To learn more, check out this Jeremiah G Hamilton Video on Youtube
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About the Author
Mason Butts
After graduating from UCLA with a Master's in Education, Mason spent 5 years as a science educator in a South Los Angeles public high school. He is committed to supporting the holistic growth of all students and empowering them to live a life of relational, academic, and financial success. Now settled in the Bay Area, Mason enjoys facilitating professional developments and partnering with educators as they prepare students for a bright financial future. When Mason is not building curriculum or planning a training, he can be found cycling, trying new foods, and exploring the outdoors.
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