Charles Clinton Spaulding: African American and Economic Influencer of the 1920s in the South

Some significant people were economic influencers during the years 1900-1929. Charles Clinton Spaulding is one such individual who influenced the economic time during this period. The interesting fact about Spaulding is that he was an African American living in the South. Now, if one looks at this period, one can surmise the troubles African Americans had in the South during this period. Spaulding would significantly influence the local economy during his time and into the future. Spaulding was a successful African American businessman in the South when it took a lot of work for most African Americans to move forward and be successful. This article will examine Spaulding and his influence on people and the economy.

Charles Clinton Spaulding was born in North Carolina on August 1, 1874. This is where he would live his life. Here, Spaulding would gain employment and work his way up to heading a company. This man's accomplishments during an era where racism was rampant are extraordinary. He would shape the economics of Durham, North Carolina. According to Brewer, Spaulding would become an employee at “The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company”(NCMLIC) in 1898, where he would work his way up to becoming “president” of the company in 1923 (2003. p. 67). The company's owners were John Merrick, Aaron M. Moore, and five other African American men. This would change as Merrick and Moore would make offers and buy the eight other men from the company (Brewer. 2003. p. 67). However, Merrick does deserve to be mentioned briefly.

John Merrick, born into slavery, would create a company that has lasted to this day. Merrick went from slavery to business owner, which not many African Americans can say they achieved. Once Merrick and Moore built the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company would experience financial hardship, and this would cause “five of the” original “seven investors” to sell (Ncmutuallife.com. N.D. para. 1). Not wanting to give up Merrick along with Moore kept the company afloat. Merrick saw value in the work Spaulding was doing for the company and would promote him to president of the company. Ncmutuallife.com states, “Moore, Merrick, and Moore’s nephew, C.C. Spaulding (who later served as the company’s longtime president), reorganized the company. The three became known as the triumvirate and strategically positioned North Carolina Mutual for local and national success” (N.D. para. 1). It is under Spaulding meticulous leadership that would bring further economic success to a company owned by African Americans in the South in severe racist conditions.

It was under Spaulding’s leadership that NCMLIC would see its most success. During Spaulding’s tenure, one would also see several economic influences in the community of Durham. Moore states, “In the wake of the Great Depression, Spaulding also used his economic clout to ensure employment opportunities for the Blacks in the community” (1992. p. 26). In a time of racism from the white population, Spaulding was able to give hope to the African American community and helped to build Durham’s African American middle-class in a hostile place. Spaulding would also influence the other businesses in Durham (Moore. 1992. p. 26). His leadership style was so different that he would never allow new employees who knew little but felt they knew more to influence him and policy-making for the company (Brewer. 2003. p. 67). He knew instinctively the direction the company needed to go and made the company a powerhouse in the Durham area. Spaulding is quoted, “When I came into the office early in the morning, I rolled up my sleeves and swept the place as janitor. Then I rolled down my sleeves and was an agent. Later, I put on my coat and became General Manager” ("C. C. Spaulding, Financier, Dies: Was Boss of $200 Million N. C. Empire." 1952. para. 8). Spaulding came from humble roots and was able to put on any hat for the company he would build the foundation for what it is today. Looking at the company, one could say Spaulding’s economic influence is still felt in Durham today. Moore states, “The young corporate giant (Spaulding*), in fact, had a great influence over many of the institutions in Durham, N.C.” (1992. p. 26). The institutions Spaulding influenced were organizations such as the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other such organizations that tried to help African Americans move forward. Spaulding was a pioneer for the African American community in the South.

Spaulding’s life and economic influence are admirable. He took a company that was floundering and on the verge of ending and built a company owned and operated by African Americans in Durham, North Carolina. This is a feat in itself because the Jim Crow Era, segregation, and racism made it hard for African Americans in the South to get ahead in life. Spaulding was able to build a middle class consisting of African Americans, a company still in business today, and champion issues to move African Americans forward. The people in that community will forever feel Spaulding’s economic influence in Durham.

References:

"C. C. Spaulding, Financier, Dies: Was Boss of $200 Million N. C. Empire." The Chicago Defender (National Edition) (1921-1967), 1952 Aug 09, 1952/08/09/. 1, https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/c-spaulding-financier-dies/docview/492804103/se-2. 

Moore, Marian. "Spaulding Laid Groundwork for Middle-Class America." Chicago Defender (Daily Edition) (1973-), 1992 Feb 18, 1992/02/18/. 1, https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/spaulding-laid-groundwork-middle-class-america/docview/2545818917/se-2. 

Ncmutuallife.com. “The Triumvirate.” N.D. Accessed on June 2, 2024. Retrieved from grandest_compan_printer2016-002.pdf (ncmutuallife.com).