2023 24 Black Pages FINAL 2 - Flipbook - Page 121
Black Business Families of Macon-Bibb
Helped to Shape the City’s Success
By Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.
Much is owed to the shaping of Macon-Bibb County’s success since its inception two hundred
years ago. One is the multitude of family businesses, including many in the Black community –
ultimately leading to what it took to make what we call home today.
An explosion of Black greatness followed the freeing of slaves in the late 1800’s. In Macon
Blacks could be found in several vocations such as barbers, carpenters, dentists, firemen, letter
carriers, painters, policemen, tailors, and shoemakers is just a short list of professions Black residents
occupied by 1881 according to information provided by Muriel M. Jackson, the Middle Georgia
Regional Library’s Genealogical and Historical Room head.
There are numerous White family business names that strike an instant chord when passing
through the ears or before the eyes of most locals. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, at the opposite
end of the spectrum are Black family
business names that do not.
Who knew that some date back to
1883. This is the year Duval and Sons
upholstery debuted. Founded by Paul Duval,
the business was a staple in the diets of
Blacks looking to reboot furniture.
Its
success is attributable to the work ethic and
business acumen of the founder and his
offspring including Paul IV, Stephen, and Thomas – who assisted their father with keeping the dream
of their great granddad alive. Thomas is enjoying his retirement but fondly recalls running the family
121
