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The Pioneers The Women

  • Barbara Wilson
  • Jackie Edgar
  • Barbara Wilson
  • Jackie Edgar

The Women

During the research process, it was important to note that many African-American women were also challenged by the retail car business and sought careers as dealers. More than 50 African-American women, during the period beginning in 1970, pursued dealership opportunities.

At one point in the late 1980's, there were approximately 10 black women dealers in business which represented 10 per cent of the total 'active' women principals actually operating a dealership on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the majority of black women have not achieved lasting success and only a handful remain active in the retail car business today.

Black women were not only faced with the 'race' factor, but the 'sexist' issue as well. The retail car business is predominantly white and male and ethnic minority males have had a difficult time finding retail opportunities. One can just imagine the difficulties faced by African-American women. But undeterred, many have made the effort.

Listed below, by manufacturer and in alphabetical order, are those African-American women who were active new car dealers at some point in time. This listing represents approximately 90% of those who sought business success in the retail car business.

African-American Women Who were appointed dealers

(By Manufacturer in alphabetical order)

    
Chrysler
Ellenae Hart-Fairhurst1988Fayetteville, N. C.
Theresa Jones1990Ferndale, Michigan
Shirley Moore1988Barrington, Illinois
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Erma Arnold1986Waynesboro, Va.
Angie Brown*Ottawa, Illinois
Marion Cheathum1991Moultrie, Georgia
Lisa Dubriel2005Palo Alto, Ca.
Jackie Edgar1985Breaux Bridge, La.
Janice Ford1994Fairborn, Ohio
Saundra Grimes1992Freeport, Illinois
Carol Hayden1988Richland, Washington
Gayle Hill2004Amherst, N. Y.
Clarice Hobgood1991Wichita Falls, Texas
Hester Johnson*Charlotte, N. C.
Veronica Jones1990Yakima, Washington
Marie Woodruff-Jordan2001Clio, Michigan
Silverenia Kanoyton1986Taft, California
Clarice McGrath1986Ft. Dodge, Iowa
Mae McNair1991Cheraw, S. C.
Marsha Phelps1991Gainsville, Texas
Colleen Robinson1992DuQuoin, Illinois
Pam Rodgers1991Flint, Michigan
Debra Sims1990Douglas, Arizona
Sandra Smith1988Smithsboro, Georgia
Grace Tate2000Brockport, N. Y.
Anita Spivey1991Landmark, Illinois
GENERAL MOTORS
Jackie Edgar1983Jeanerette, La.
Lillie Biagas2001Jenkintown, Pa
Juanita Bradley1993Ann Arbor, Michigan
Peggy Cockerham1992Morrow, Georgia
Toni Frink1986Delaware, Ohio
Gladys Humes1997Decatur, Illinois
Denise Jones2006Sarasota Springs, N. Y.
Pam Rodgers1993Woodhaven, Michigan
Norma/Jenell Ross1997Brunswick, Ohio
Shelia Smith*Henderson, Texas
Rhonda Welburn1990Royal Oak, Mich.
IMPORT
Barbara Wilson (Mazda)1979Detroit, Mich.
Juanita Baranco (Acura)*Lilburn, Georgia
Ellenae Hart-Fairhurst (Infiniti)1992Huntsville, Ala.
Jan Richardson (Jaguar)2004Spokane, Washington
Barbara Wilson (Honda)1979Ferndale, Mich.

* No specific "start" date was determined.

List represents approximately 90% of African-American women who were either franchised or assumed role of "dealers" since 1983.

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