W. Leonard Evans Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. Leonard Evans Jr.
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|
|---|---|
| Born |
William Leonard Evans Jr.
c. 1914 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | May 22, 2007 (aged 92–93) Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse(s) |
Maudelle Bousfield
(m. 1936) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | William L. Evans Sr. Beatrice Evans |
| Family | Maudelle Bousfield (mother-in-law) |
William Leonard Evans Jr. (born around 1914, died 2007) was an important African American businessman. He created Tuesday magazine and the National Negro Network. These ventures helped share positive stories about African American life.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
William Leonard Evans Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents were William L. Evans Sr. and Beatrice Evans. His father was an architect. He also worked for the National Urban League, a group that helps African Americans.
Evans first studied at Fisk University. After two years, he moved to the University of Illinois. He earned a degree in business from there in 1935.
Career Highlights
Advertising Work
In the 1940s, Evans worked with Associated Publishers. This group studied what Black consumers in cities like Baltimore bought. This was one of the first big studies of its kind.
Later, Evans started his own advertising company. It was called Evans and Durham, Inc. He then joined another company, Arthur Meyerhoff & Company. He helped create ads for big brands. These included Pet Milk, Philip Morris cigarettes, Wrigley gum, and Armour meat products.
National Negro Network
In 1953, Evans created the National Negro Network. This was a group of about 40 radio stations. It aimed to reach many African American listeners across the country. The network lasted for just over a year. It closed because it did not get enough advertising money.
Tuesday Publications
Evans started Tuesday magazine in 1965. He chose the name Tuesday because it was a common day for Black newspapers to be printed. The magazine shared positive stories about African American life, politics, and culture.
Evans was the editor and publisher. He said Tuesday was made for Black readers. But he hoped white readers would enjoy it too. The magazine was given out as a special section. It came with big newspapers like the Chicago Sun-Times.
Tuesday magazine was very successful. Its first issue reached over 1.3 million homes. In 1970, Evans launched another magazine, Tuesday at Home. By 1973, these magazines reached over 4.5 million readers. At its best, Tuesday Publications was one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S. However, an economic slowdown in the late 1970s caused both magazines to close.
Community Involvement
In 1971, Evans joined the board of trustees at the University of Chicago. This is a group that helps guide the university. In 1975, he received an award from the University of Illinois. This award honored his great success in business. It also recognized how he brought honor to his university.
Personal Life and Passing
William Leonard Evans Jr. married Maudelle Bousfield in 1936. They had two sons, Leonard and Midian. His mother-in-law, also named Maudelle Bousfield, was famous. She was the first African American principal in the Chicago Public Schools.
Evans passed away on May 22, 2007, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 92 or 93 years old. He died after having a stroke. His wife and two sons survived him.
