Louis Willie Jr
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Louis J. Willie Jr (born c. 1923, died September 16, 2007 in Birmingham, was a successful Birmingham business executive who helped break the color barrier in business and sports circles.
Willie helped the late A.G. Gaston build a business empire that included Booker T. Washington Insurance, Citizens Federal Savings Bank and the WENN-FM and WAGG-AM radio stations.
In July 1990, Willie became first black member of the Shoal Creek Country Club, defusing a racial controversy that nearly led the Professional Golf Association to cancel its tournament there.
References
- Williams, Roy L. "Business leader Lou Willie, who broke color barriers, dies" (September 17, 2007), Birmingham News.