Atlanta’s First Black Millionaire
Watch the Film Summary
A Film to Inspire Those Facing Adversity
Alonzo’s Story
Slavery to Legacy: The Alonzo Herndon Story an inspiring account of how Alonzo rose from slavery to become Atlanta’s first Black Millionaire. The film does not ignore the cruel environment that a successful Black man navigated during that era of American History yet leaves us with the hope that we can accomplish the improbable.
Born a slave in 1858 to a father who was his enslaver, Alonzo, his mother, and brother found themselves freed but homeless at the end of the Civil War. To take care of his family, Alonzo left Social Circle, GA with $11 in his pocket, ultimately settling in Atlanta.
Alonzo’s journey included owning 3 barbershops that served white men and becoming the largest black real estate investor of his time, before pivoting to insurance for Black customers when Jim Crow Laws made segregation and violence a way of life. He is best known for starting Atlanta Life Insurance Company in 1905 that was acquired in 2023 by a Magic Johnson-led insurance group, thus extending Alonzo’s legacy.
BROADCAST
FIRST BROADCAST DATE: October, 2024
SCREENINGS
First Congregational Church, Atlanta
The Herndon’s Church
Tyler Perry Studios
Entrepreneur Business Summit
What They’re Saying
“You did a great job on his life and legacy, congratulations.”
“I want to present the Herndon story to my students….. Critically important is that they need to know who our Black American heroes are, and about their history which can inspire them.”
“I do hope more and more people see it. Especially here in Georgia, as this piece of history is significant to who we in Atlanta are.”
“informative, educational, great panelists”
“…awesome documentary! ”
“Well done! Excellent edits. Really enjoyed. ”
“Really excited for everyone to see this!”
“The documentary definitely demonstrates your passion and knowledge on Herndon and his story.”
“Greg, congratulations! We need more education about our historical business success stories. ”
“...We loved the interviews.”
““Outstanding and congratulations. Great ending.....”
“Greg, I just finished viewing your masterpiece. Congrats My Brother. Job well done. Forwarding this doc to my contact list. ”
“Wow - Congrats! This film is amazing and captivating. I want to see it again! ”
“Incredibly informative. He was a resilient guy who makes you courageous.”
VIDEOS
Alonzo’s Impact
“He put Atlanta entrepreneurs …. on the map…”
Alonzo’s Legacy
“Perhaps the greatest gift he left us with is the hope that we can accomplish the improbable.”
An Entrepreneur Par Excellence
“He had a great gift.” “For not long after slavery to have a barbershop … with the barbers that were all Black and the customers were all white.”
Understanding Where Alonzo Came From
“Before explaining Alonzo’s accomplishments, it is important to examine both his background and the brutal environment he built his multiple businesses in.”
