Don H. Barden facts for kids
Don Hamilton Barden (born December 20, 1943 – died May 19, 2011) was a very successful American businessman. He was known for owning and running many different companies. He made history as the first African-American to own a casino in Las Vegas.
He led several casino companies, including The Majestic Star Casino, LLC. He also managed casinos in places like Black Hawk, Colorado, Tunica, Mississippi, and Las Vegas. Don Barden also ran Barden Companies, Inc., and many other businesses he owned.
Over 30 years, Barden successfully built and managed businesses in many areas. These included real estate, casinos, broadcasting, and cable television. In 2003, Black Enterprise Magazine named his company "Company of the Year." In 2004, he won the Trumpet Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.
For some years, Barden's casino in Gary was next to one owned by Donald Trump. Barden later bought Trump's casino. In November 2009, some of his casinos, including Majestic Star and Fitzgerald casinos in Indiana, Mississippi, and Colorado, faced financial difficulties. In December 2011, these casinos were given to their lenders. However, his Nevada casino and his share in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania casino were not affected.
About Don Barden
When one of Don Barden's companies bought the Fitzgeralds Las Vegas Casino in Las Vegas, he became the first African-American to own a casino there. This was a big step in the casino industry.
Pittsburgh Casino Project
In 2007, Don Barden won the right to build a casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This new casino was planned to be near Heinz Field, which is the home stadium for the Pittsburgh Steelers football team.
There were some disagreements about this choice. Many local taxpayers wanted another company, Isle of Capri Casinos, to build the casino. That company had offered to build a new sports arena along with their casino, and they would pay for the entire cost. However, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Gaming Commission chose Barden's plan. This meant that the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team had to find other ways to pay for their new arena, often using public money.
In 2008, Barden had trouble getting enough money to keep building the Pittsburgh casino. Work on the site stopped for several weeks. Building only started again after Neil Bluhm, a rich businessman from Chicago, bought most of the project. Don Barden still owned a smaller part of the casino.
Later Life and Passing
Don Barden passed away on May 19, 2011, at the age of 67. He died from lung cancer at The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. He is buried with his wife Bella at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
Legacy
- Don Barden is featured in the documentary series Profiles of African-American Success.
