What was Alonzo Herndon’s MAIN goal when he founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association in 1905
A.to gain wealth and help other African Americans
B.to become as powerful and wealthy as possible
C.to end job discrimination against African Americans
D.to create the largest insurance company in the South
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: A. to gain wealth and help other African Americans.
Explanation:
Alonzo Herndon, born into slavery in 1858, rose to become one of the most successful African American entrepreneurs of his time. After the Civil War, Herndon leveraged his skills and determination to create opportunities for himself and others in a racially segregated society. He initially gained wealth as a barber, owning upscale barbershops catering to white clientele, but he later expanded into real estate and insurance.
When Herndon founded the Atlanta Mutual Insurance Association (later Atlanta Life Insurance Company) in 1905, his primary goal was to provide African Americans with affordable life insurance, a service often denied to them by white-owned insurance companies due to racial discrimination. He recognized that African Americans faced systemic barriers to economic security and financial services, so his company was designed to fill this gap while fostering economic empowerment within the Black community.
Herndon’s intent was not merely personal enrichment but also to uplift African Americans collectively. By creating a thriving business that catered to their needs, he provided employment opportunities for African Americans and supported the broader Black economy. This was especially important in the early 20th century, a period marked by widespread racial discrimination, disenfranchisement, and limited access to resources for African Americans.
Under Herndon’s leadership, the Atlanta Life Insurance Company grew to become one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States, symbolizing resilience and progress. His commitment to social responsibility and economic empowerment made him a prominent figure in the fight for African American self-reliance and prosperity. Thus, while gaining wealth was a personal achievement, his main goal was rooted in helping the African American community achieve greater financial stability and equality.