The student's essay should focus on A. the role of Black business leaders in the growth of Atlanta.
Alonzo Herndon was a prominent African American entrepreneur and businessman in Atlanta during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, which became one of the largest Black-owned insurance companies in the United States. Herndon's contributions significantly impacted the economic landscape and development of Atlanta, making him a key figure in the history of Black business leadership in the city. His story exemplifies the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Black individuals during a time of systemic racism and economic hardship.