Afro-American Life Insurance Company

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Afro-American Life Insurance Company
IndustryLife insurance
Founded1901
FounderAbraham Lincoln Lewis
Defunct1990
HeadquartersJacksonville, Florida

The Afro-American Life Insurance Company was a historic business based in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1901 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis and his business associates.[1] The company specialized in helping Black Americans obtain life insurance and mortgages.[2]

Background[edit]

Up until the creation of this insurance company, black Americans found it difficult to purchase life insurance, which was unaffordable to most blacks at the time. The insurance company also served as a financial institution as well. The company is responsible for the creation of American Beach in Nassau County, Florida.[3]

With strong competition from other insurance companies in the mid-20th century, the Afro-American Life Insurance Company closed in 1990.[citation needed] The building located at 101 E. Union Street, which housed the company has been renovated and served as the offices for Congresswoman Corrine Brown and other businesses.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "UNF - Thomas G. Carpenter Library - Afro-American Life Insurance Company". www.unf.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-21.
  2. ^ "J.A. Batts Heads Afro Ins. Co. in Ala". Alabama Tribune. May 6, 1949. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  3. ^ Santich, Kate (April 17, 1994). "The Spirit of American Beach". The Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 23 August 2020.