E. F. Young, Jr.

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E. F. Young, Jr. (July 1898^[1] – 1950) was an American businessman specializing in hair care products.

[edit] Biography

E(ugene) F(red) Young, Jr. was born in Russell, Mississippi, the son of E. F. Young, Sr., a Methodist minister and farmer. ^[2]

In 1927, after graduating from the Haven Institute in Meridian, Mississippi, Young set to establish a career in business. Unfortunately, for an African-American man in the South, opportunities were few and far between. While in school, he worked part-time as a barber. Upon his graduation, he began working full-time as a barber to support his new wife and growing family.

E.F. Young married Velma Beal in 1927. To this union were born three children:

• Loyce Young [Daniels-De Augustino-Todd] (April 3, 1928– November 9, 1994)^[3]
• Charles Lemuel Young, Sr. (August 27, 1931–)^[4]
• E(ugene) F(red) "Sonny" Young III

As a barber, he saw a need to develop hair care products for his African American clients. As the demand for these products grew he decided to start a company to manufacture these products on a wider scale. In the 1931, he established the E.F. Young, Jr. Manufacturing Company.^[5]

In 1933, his company received its trademark and by 1945 had grown to one of the most successful black owned businesses in the South.^[6]

After a long terminal illness, Young died in 1950. His widow assumed control of the business, until their eldest son, Charles L. Young, Sr. took over the operation in 1969. He continues to serve as president of the company to this day.^[7]

The company distributes its line of products throughout the United States, It is also distributed in Canada and the Caribbean.^[8]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• E.J. Young, Jr. Manufacturing Company