Bert M. Roddy Explained

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bert M. Roddy - Entries - Tennessee Encyclopedia. tennesseeencyclopedia.net.
  2. Book: Notable Black Memphians. Cambria Press. 978-1-62196-863-4. 269–.