Lightfoot Solomon Michaux facts for kids

Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (born November 7, 1885 – died October 20, 1968) was an important African-American religious leader. He was a pioneer in using radio and television to share his message. Michaux was also a smart businessman, a real estate developer, and a newspaper publisher. He started seven Church of God congregations along the East Coast. He also founded a special farm called the National Memorial to the Progress of the Colored Race in America. This large farm was located in James City County, Virginia.

Elder Michaux at Happy News Cafe, 1727 7th Street

Early Life and Business Beginnings

Lightfoot Solomon Michaux was born in Newport News, Virginia. His father, John Michaux, sold fish and groceries. Young Michaux left school in the fourth grade to help his father.

Later, he opened his own grocery store and dance studio. There, he met Mary Eliza Pauline, who became his wife in 1906. During World War I, Michaux got contracts to provide food to the government. In 1917, he moved his business to Hopewell, Virginia.

Starting the Church of God

In 1917, Michaux and his wife started a church called "Everybody's Mission" in Hopewell. He became a preacher in 1918. After World War I, in 1919, Michaux returned to Newport News.

He began a gospel tent revival to gather people for a new church. He quickly found 150 members. Together, they formed a Church of Christ (Holiness) congregation.

Forming an Independent Church

In 1921, Michaux's group decided to form their own independent Church of God. Soon after, he started a second church in nearby Hampton, Virginia. He also created the Gospel Spreading Tabernacle Association. This group managed the church's money and other projects.

Michaux faced challenges. In 1922, he and some members were arrested in Newport News. They were singing loudly early in the morning while inviting people to church. He defended himself but was fined.

Around 1929, Michaux challenged new segregation laws in Virginia. He invited white church members from Maryland to his Newport News church. He was arrested again and defended himself. He argued that the Bible did not support segregation. He believed segregation should not exist in church. He was fined once more.

Michaux continued to travel and start churches. By 1935, he had seven churches. By 1928, his church headquarters moved to Washington, D.C.. The church he founded is still active today. It is known as the Gospel Spreading Church of God.

Pioneering Broadcast Evangelism

In 1929, Michaux began sharing his religious message on radio station WJSV. This station was in Alexandria, Virginia. His show, "Happiness Hour," featured upbeat gospel music by the Radio Choir. It also included energetic sermons from Elder Michaux. The show focused on positive thinking.

In 1932, the show became very popular. It was broadcast by over 50 CBS-affiliated radio stations. About 25 million people listened to the Saturday evening shows. This made Michaux the most popular Black evangelical preacher of his time. His theme song, "Happy Am I," earned him the nickname "Happy Am I" preacher. His lively radio shows attracted huge audiences. Important political and cultural figures often attended his live shows.

Michaux was interested in all types of media. He published a newspaper called the "Happy News." He even broadcast two shows with the BBC in 1936 and 1938. This made him an early pioneer in international radio ministry. In 1947, Michaux started his television program, Elder Michaux. It aired on WTTG and later on the DuMont Television Network. This show was one of the first U.S. television programs with an African-American host.

Michaux also bought a restaurant in Washington called the "Happy Cafe." Customers could work for a meal there and hear gospel messages. He also organized large baptism events. One famous event at Griffith Stadium in Washington drew about 30,000 people.

National Memorial to Progress

Starting in 1936, Michaux began buying land near Jamestown Island. This land was along the James River in James City County, Virginia. Michaux dreamed of building a grand memorial there. It would honor the progress of African Americans.

He imagined buildings like an auditorium and a library. There would also be a Hall of Fame. This hall would display paintings and statues of important Black leaders. Michaux wanted this memorial to inspire future generations. He wanted them to see how their ancestors became loyal citizens.

Historical Significance of the Land

The memorial site grew to about 1,100 acres. It is located near Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This area is known as Virginia's "Historic Triangle." It is sometimes called the "cradle of American democracy." It is possible that the first African slaves in Virginia worked on or near this land. The land itself might even be where the first farm owned by a former slave was located.

Michaux tried to raise money for the project. One idea was to create a cooperative farm on the property. It would be divided into small lots. People could farm these lots together. They would be given animals and seeds. This would show the progress of Africans in America.

While his big plans for the memorial didn't get enough funding, a working farm was developed. It included a dairy. Marion O. Smith, a church member, managed the farm from 1947. His family still works the farm today.

In 1992, a special marker was placed near Jamestown. It is called "A Famous African-American Dream." This marker honors Elder Michaux and his National Memorial.

Real Estate Development Projects

Around 1940, Michaux started planning a housing development in Washington, D.C. It was for middle-class African-American families. He bought land and received a large loan of $3.5 million. This was the biggest loan ever given to an African American at that time.

The project was called Mayfair Mansions. It had 594 units and was designed by Albert I. Cassell, a famous African-American architect. It was finished in 1946. Mayfair Mansions was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

In 1964, Michaux built a second development next to Mayfair Mansions. It was called "Paradise Manor." This project received $6 million in funding.

Death

Elder Michaux passed away in Washington on October 20, 1968, after having a stroke. Over 3,000 people attended his funeral in Newport News. He is buried with his wife in Pleasant Shade Cemetery in Hampton.