African American entrepreneurship has a long and fascinating history in Los Angeles. The period from the 1920s to the 1960s was the era of “race enterprises,” in which black entrepreneurs specifically catered to black consumers. Collectively these enterprises supported a growing middle class and one of the highest rates of African American homeownership in the country. As rich as this history is, so little is discussed in regards to Black business in Los Angeles. So MHD and co-host Chavonne bring it to the surface in an enriching conversation with independent public historian, writer, and researcher Yolanda Hester!

Yolanda Hester is an independent public historian, writer, and researcher.  She is interested in highlighting lesser documented stories and helping them find their way to the historical record.  Her work has included exploring the history of Black business in LA (Community and Commerce) for The Center For Oral History Research at UCLA, consulting on the history of The Shindana Toy Factory for KCET (Shindana Toy Company: Changing the American Doll Industry), as well as projects for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and The National Urban League. She currently manages the oral history project for Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA.  Her most recent essay The Legacy of Shindana Toys:  Black Play and Black Power can be found in The American Journal of Play. 

Resources:

www.yolandahester.com

www.library.ucla.edu/location/library-special-collections/discover-collections/online-exhibits/community-commerce-oral-histories-african-american-businesses-los-angeles

www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/episodes/shindana-toy-company-changing-the-american-doll-industry

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