The first directory of African American businesses in Wisconsin appeared in 1950. Edited by Mary Ellen Shadd, the directory profiled professional, religious, educational, civic, fraternal, social, historical, commercial, and industrial organizations operated by and for African Americans. It also included advertisements for businesses that were friendly to African Americans, including a national listing of hotels where blacks could "vacation without humiliation." Besides business listings, the directory contained practical information on first aid, city garbage collection, and a list of wedding anniversary gifts.

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Negro business Directory of the state of Wisconsin, 1950-1951. 126 p. ; 23 cm.

Pamphlet collection, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

Shadd, Mary Ellen. "Negro Business Directory of the State of Wisconsin." (Milwaukee, Wis.: M.E. Shadd, 1950); online facsimile at http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1254

Copyright 2005 by the Wisconsin Historical Society (Madison, Wisconsin)

Forms part of the Turning points collection (Wisconsin Historical Society)