C. B. Powell facts for kids

Clilan Bethany Powell (born August 8, 1894 – died September 22, 1977) was an important American businessman. He was best known as the publisher of the Amsterdam News, a major newspaper.

Early Life and Medical Work

Clilan B. Powell was born in Newport News, Virginia, on August 8, 1894. He studied medicine and earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1920. After that, he completed his training at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

He worked at Harlem Hospital for eight years. In 1921, he opened his own medical office in New York City. Dr. Powell was one of the first African-American doctors to specialize in X-rays. He ran an X-ray practice in Harlem for 25 years, helping many people.

Business Ventures

Dr. Powell was also very successful in business. In 1922, he helped start the Victory Mutual Life Insurance Company. This was an important insurance company owned by Black people. He became its first vice president in 1934 and then its president in 1940.

He also led other companies, like the Community Personal Finance Corporation, which helped people get loans. He even owned the Brown Bomber Bread Company and four funeral homes.

Owning the Amsterdam News

In 1936, Dr. Powell and Dr. Philip M. H. Savory bought the Amsterdam News newspaper. They bought it when it was having financial problems. They paid $5,000 and agreed to pay off a lot of the paper's debt. Dr. Powell said they bought the paper mainly to help promote their other businesses.

Later, in 1959, Dr. Powell made an agreement to take full ownership of the newspaper. He became the sole owner after Dr. Savory passed away in 1965. In 1971, he sold the paper to a new group of owners, including Percy Sutton and Clarence B. Jones.

Baseball League Leadership

In 1940, Dr. Powell was considered for the president of the Negro National League. This was a professional baseball league for African-American players. Even though he didn't become president, it showed how respected he was in the community.

Involvement in Politics

Clilan B. Powell was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. His newspaper, the Amsterdam News, supported Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1936 presidential election. During the 1936 and 1940 United States presidential elections, Powell worked as the publicity director for the Black Division of the Democratic National Committee.

However, he later left the Democratic Party. He disagreed with how the military was segregated by race. He believed that the Republican Party might offer more opportunities for African Americans.

In 1943, Republican Governor Thomas E. Dewey appointed Dr. Powell to the New York State Athletic Commission. This was a big step because he was the first African American and the first doctor to serve on this commission. As a commissioner, he worked to make boxing fairer and to prevent criminals from being involved in sports. He also helped with the Dewey-Bricker campaign during the 1944 presidential election.

Later Life and Passing

Clilan B. Powell passed away on September 22, 1977, at his home in Briarcliff Manor, New York. He was survived by his wife, Lena Dukes Powell. He was buried at Kensico Cemetery.