Concord Resident Proposes New Foundation to Honor Warren C. Coleman’s Legacy
A new effort is underway in Concord to ensure that one of the city's most influential yet underrecognized figures, Warren Clay Coleman, receives the lasting recognition he deserves. Local historian and retired college instructor Norman McCullough has outlined plans to establish the Warren Clay Coleman Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the remarkable legacy of the former slave-turned-industrialist who helped shape Concord's history.
The First Black-Owned Textile Mill In The United States
Born in 1849 and passing in 1904, Coleman rose from enslavement to become one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs of the post-Reconstruction era. In 1897, he founded the Coleman Manufacturing Company, which built and operated the first Black-owned and managed textile mill in the United States, located at 625 Main Street SW in Concord. At its peak, the mill employed over 300 African American workers—an astounding achievement at a time when very few Black citizens had access to ownership or leadership in industry. According to McCullough's research, Coleman was likely among the wealthiest Black men in America by 1900.
Today, the site of Coleman's historic mill—now known as the Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill—is undergoing a major adaptive reuse project that reflects both Concord's growth and its dedication to preserving history. The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 and designated a local landmark in 2018, is being transformed into 144 affordable housing apartments, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Continuing The Spirit Of Entrepreneurship & Equity
McCullough's proposed foundation would focus on ensuring Coleman's story remains central to Concord's historical narrative. The Warren Clay Coleman Foundation aims to promote education, mentorship, and historical awareness for residents of all backgrounds. Its early initiatives would include:
- Reinstating a historical plaque honoring Coleman that once stood on Union Street.
- Partnering with the new owners of the Coleman Mill to create a designated exhibit inside the building celebrating Coleman's achievements and those of his collaborators, including the Barringer family.
- Establishing an annual "Coleman Day" celebration to honor his life and contributions.
- Restoring or replacing Coleman's headstone at Old Campground Cemetery, ensuring the city's oldest African American burial ground remains preserved and honored.
- McCullough also envisions the foundation developing future programs to enrich education and promote social progress through history—continuing the spirit of entrepreneurship and equity that Coleman embodied.
McCullough has lived in Concord for more than a decade and is also the author of Warren Clay Coleman: The Leader of the First Black Textile Mill in America, available on Amazon. Those interested in learning more or supporting the proposed foundation can reach him at mcculloughnorman2315@gmail.com.
