Sumter's History of black business
Sumter SC Has Been Approximately 50% African American in Population since its inception
Below are notable Black Entrepreneurs & Professionals as early as the 1830s. We will update our list when we learn of new history around black-owned businesses in Sumter, SC. Please Enjoy what we have to date!!
Preserving Our Culture 1 Professional at a Time.
April Allison (William Ellison) b. 1790 d. 1861
Once a slave, April bought his freedom and bought himself a new name all before becoming a major entrepreneur in the confederate south. Now William, he became creator of The Ellison Gin, black smith, plantation owner, and owner of 63 slaves.
Henry J. Maxwell Farm 1874
Mr. Maxwell was the first US Postmaster of color, he was an attorney, and also served on the SC State Senate. Mr. Henry Maxwell was also a member of the Freedman's Bureau, which helped freedslaves adjust to free life. Maxwell's farm was 44 acres and is a historic landmark in Sumter County.
The Vendicator Newspaper 1882
First black newspaper publication in Sumter SC
Z .E. Walker 1883
Black professional who was the 1st African American voted to Sumter City Council. Walker Cemetary of Sumter Named in his honor. The Walker Cemetery Association was organized on January 24, 1895.
Kendall Institute 1891
1st African American Learning Institution in Sumter
The Defender Newspaper 1903-1913
Morris College 1908
Historically Black 4 Year College. Morris once had a high school on campus. Currently Morris College has a list of bachelor programs and the Morris College Head Start on Campus. Morris College is the oldest educational institution that remains open in Sumter today.
The Samaritian Herald and the Voice of Job 1909-1950
African American longest held newspaper in Sumter SC
Sons and Daughters of Job 1928
Non Profit organizaation
Palmer Memorial Funeral Home 1933
Oldest Black-owned business located in Sumter that is currently operating. Now woman owned and operated, this business remains a family ran business that also has a division located in Columbia SC.
Job's Mortuary 1935
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
People's Informer Newspaper 1936
Tribe Funeral Home 1945
Now named Wiliiams Funeral Home Service, this funeral home is still owned by one of the founding families of Tribe
Community Hospital 1949
Clyburn's Beauty Center 1950
Founded by Almeta Cylburn, mother of U.S. Congress member Jim Clyburn, is currently still operating in the Historic Westend District as Clyburns Beauty Salon. The salon is family owned and operated and has been since its opening. Many employees have been working at the salon for over 20 years. They offer salon and barber services.
C.H. Bracey Tourist Home 210 W. Oakland Ave 1956
A safe travel lodge for African American travelers during the desegragation period. This home was an accommodation for many travelers across the state of Sout Carolina looking for a way to travel during the Jim Crow days. This home was listed in official green book as a travel location.
J. Philip Rembert 1974
1st Black elected to Sumter County SC Council. J. Philip Rembert was a famed Pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the Black flying aces of World War II.