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
Above image by Chuck Zlotnick for Dunwoody Black History Month Celebration Feb. 2, 2025
Host
Coming To The Table
Host
The Georgia Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center, Georgia Institute of Technology
Host
St. James Community
Church
Host
Heart of South Downtown
Host
First Congregational Church - The Herndon’s Church
Host
Tyler Perry Studios
Host
My TrueBiz Business Conference
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.”
Ooooooooooooooooooo this is going to be reallll gooooddd
Excited for this conversation!
Love this 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed watching "Slavery to Legacy: The Alonzo Herndon Story" last night and hearing the brilliant panel discussion. It was amazing to hear such an intriguing story and see all the hard work you put into the documentary. At your earliest convenience, please send me the link to the documentary. I would love to share it with my friends and colleagues. Also, as an aspiring independent historian and curator, I would love to work with you.
Host
Roswell Cultural Arts Center and Roswell Roots
“Greg, congratulations! We need more education about our historical business success stories. ”
Shevawn Broxton Young February 28 · Atlanta, GA ·
Timing! I spent the last day of Black History Month at The Thompson Hotel/Buckhead watching and hearing the story of Alonzo Herndon - former slave who became a pioneering Atlanta entrepreneur and philanthropist. A man who built a business portfolio worth over a million dollars. Dr Greg Henley presented an excellent and engaging documentary film chronicling Herndon’s life and legacy. The release of the film and multiple screenings during this month is God’s perfect timing. The panel discussion drove home a reminder that we’ve been in this struggle before and managed to thrive. It provides context and opportunity to have needed conversations about the parallels and lessons we must undoubtedly observe and learn...again!
I look forward to the many other opportunities and doors that will be opened for this film to be shared and this important story to be told and inspiration provided through its historical perspective. We’ve been here before….thanks to your sponsors Dr Henley and your lovely wife Vanessa Henley for her support.
Closed out Black History Month celebrating Black Excellence past and present! Congratulations Dr. Greg Henley on the Screening of your inspiring Documentary “Slavery to Legacy. The Alonzo Herndon Story” which chronicles the story of Atlanta’s very first black millionaire! A timely and inspiring (call to action) evening powered by Uncle Nearest Bourbon and Black Leaf Vodka. Our History…Applauses and Cheers!
“...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! ”
Host
The Office of Design | Historic Preservation Studio, City of Atlanta Dep’t of City Planning, in collaboration with the Thompson Hotel.
“Incredibly informative. He was a resilient guy who makes you courageous.”
“Alonzo Herndon’s life was incredibly inspiring and your telling of it is needed in our culture today and well done. ”
“Thank you for your work and the opportunity to discuss Herndon’s legacy and life principles, which are still applicable today.”
Host
Create Dunwoody
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.”
