And now, Carol's Daughter has accomplished something that is rare for a homegrown business, and even more unusual for one started by an African-American entrepreneur.

Black civic leaders say business organizations, if they want to successfully attract young African-American entrepreneurs, need meaningful outreach programs.

University Circle Properties Development, Inc. was founded in 1968 by a local young African-American entrepreneur, Winston E. Willis.

"What we're starting to see are more and more African-American entrepreneurs who have M.B.A.'s," Professor Rogers said.

"Now, you're seeing a new generation of African-American entrepreneurs who are looking to access capital from all the available resources."

Before the storm, Mr. Ford, a tall, panther-slim man, was known here as a golf-course owner, caterer and role model for young African-American entrepreneurs.

William Perkins, Abolitionist and wealthy post-Civil War African-American entrepreneur.

Wilkie Clark (March 8, 1920 - July 29, 1989) was an African-American entrepreneur and civil rights activist.

"This is about an African-American entrepreneur who is starting a black-owned movie studio because he stepped forward and had the expertise to pull it together."

That visionary fashion statement was part of a package that included the need for more African-American entrepreneurs and more mentoring programs for at-risk youth.