Bert M. Roddy

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Bert Maynard Roddy (born August 19, 1886 - died 1963) founded a chain of grocery stores and was the first African American owner of a grocery store chain in Memphis, Tennessee. [1] He was involved in the Lincoln League. He was born in Augusta, Arkansas August 19, 1886. His parents were Jerry and Harriette McKenny Roddy. [1] After his family moved to Memphis he attended LeMoyne Normal School. [2] He cofounded the Coloured Citizens Association, was an organizer of a theater, cofounded a restaurant, organized and was the first president of the Memphis NAACP chapter, and was involved in various African American civic and business groups. [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Bert M. Roddy - Entries - Tennessee Encyclopedia". tennesseeencyclopedia.net.
  2. 1 2 Notable Black Memphians. Cambria Press. pp. 269–. ISBN   978-1-62196-863-4.