02 Feb Dedoes Celebrates Black History Month
During Black History month we are celebrating the achievements of the following three individuals that broke boundaries and greatly impacted our Country.
Richard B. Spikes
Known for his multiple patents, Spikes began his entrepreneurial career as a barber. Born in Texas to a family of eleven, he knew he was born for greatness. Spikes briefly was a schoolteacher before marrying his wife and moving his family to New Mexico. There he operated a saloon and developed a pressure-dispense beer tap. It was purchased by Milwaukee Beer Company and variations are still used today. Richard’s journey then led him to California. His hustle continued, owning and operating barber shops. He began to lose vision, but it did not hold him back. A few of Richard’s developments throughout his life include a horizontally swinging barber chair, an automatic car washer, and an automatic gear shifter. Thank you, Spikes, for your perseverance throughout your career and for sharing your inventions with the world.
Maggie Lena Walker
From a young age, Walker saw the racial gap in quality of life and dedicated her life to narrowing it. She was an active member of the Independent Order of St. Luke, an organization committed to bringing positive changes to the Black community. Her tremendous efforts led her to be the First African American woman to run a bank in the United States. She was the president of St. Luke Penny Savings Bank for over 20 years. Throughout her life, she advocated for women’s rights, served on many boards, and participated in philanthropic ventures. Thank you, Walker, for breaking barriers and creating opportunities for African American women.
Homer Roberts
Raised in Kansas, Roberts studied electrical engineering at Kansas City Agricultural College. With his electrical experience, he entered World War I and became the first Black commissioned officer. Post-war, Robert returned home and became a businessman in his community. He purchased a building that served as a restaurant, shop, garage, and car dealership. Robert had sold more than $2 million worth of automobiles within five years and later became an auto broker. During the Great Depression, some of his businesses began to suffer. He returned to the military and served in World War II. Thank you, Roberts, for your service and for paving the path for future Black businessmen.
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