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Our Blog Posts
Learn the history of LaVilla and historic Black Wall Streets, CRE crowdfunding, and the future of wealth building and
historic revitalization.
Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Act—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 13/28, Sara Rector)
Sarah Rector, oil magnate, investor, businesswoman and land owner beat all odds, greed, and exploitation to live a live a life of opulence.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Mar 226 min read
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Act—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 9/28, Hattie McDaniel)
At the height of her career, Hattie McDaniel became a woman of financial means and influence after becoming the first Black Oscar winner.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 193 min read
31 views
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Movement—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 7 of 28, Annie Turnbo Malone)
Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone (1869-1957). The wealthiest person in 1920's St. Louis, a self proclaimed "Beauty Doctor" and global success.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 134 min read
15 views
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Movement—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 8 of 28, Sara Spencer Washington)
Business tycoons, golf course and hotel owners, serial entrepreneurs; these are the powerful Black women business owners of the early 1900s.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 134 min read
28 views
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Movement—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 5 of 28, Madam CJ Walker)
Among the earliest wealth builders were multi talented, gifted saleswomen, job creators, and community investors. Meet Madam C.J. Walker.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 54 min read
19 views
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Movement—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 3 of 28, Bridget "Biddy" Mason)
The early wealth builders were fearless, politically and socially savvy, fearless Black women. Meet Bridget "Biddy" Mason of Los Angeles.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 34 min read
43 views
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Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Movement—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 2 of 28, Mary Ellen Pleasant)
The early wealth builders were fearless, savvy, Black women. Meet Mary Ellen Pleasant and the rise and fall of a multimillionaire's fortune.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Feb 23 min read
34 views
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We're Getting Ready to Launch
The New LaVilla is a visionary real estate project rooted in a deep appreciation for historical preservation and community revitalization.
Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar
Jan 222 min read
10 views
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