19th Century Entrepreneur and Philanthropist of African Descent.
Born in 1811 as a free person of color in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Thomy Lafon rose from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
By the 1840s, Lafon was a successful merchant. Later he also found success as a real estate broker. However, throughout his life he lived modestly. A bachelor his whole life, Lafon shared a simple home with his widowed sister.
Lafon is best known, not for his wealth, but for his commitment to help those less fortunate. He founded the Lafon Orphan Boys' Asylum and the Home for Aged Colored Men and Women. He also donated liberally to various religious and charitable organizations. He made substantial contributions to the Underground Railroad, the American Anti-Slavery Society, the Catholic Institute for the Care of Orphans, the Louisiana Asylum, New Orleans University, Southern University and Straight College (now Dillard University).
He died in New Orleans in 1893.
Right after his death the Louisiana State Legislature voted to honor him in memoriam despite the racial discrimination that was so virulent at the time. He was the first black person to be so honored by any State in the Union.
Born in 1811 as a free person of color in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Thomy Lafon rose from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
By the 1840s, Lafon was a successful merchant. Later he also found success as a real estate broker. However, throughout his life he lived modestly. A bachelor his whole life, Lafon shared a simple home with his widowed sister.
Lafon is best known, not for his wealth, but for his commitment to help those less fortunate. He founded the Lafon Orphan Boys' Asylum and the Home for Aged Colored Men and Women. He also donated liberally to various religious and charitable organizations. He made substantial contributions to the Underground Railroad, the American Anti-Slavery Society, the Catholic Institute for the Care of Orphans, the Louisiana Asylum, New Orleans University, Southern University and Straight College (now Dillard University).
He died in New Orleans in 1893.
Right after his death the Louisiana State Legislature voted to honor him in memoriam despite the racial discrimination that was so virulent at the time. He was the first black person to be so honored by any State in the Union.
19th Century Entrepreneur and Philanthropist of African Descent.
Born in 1811 as a free person of color in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Thomy Lafon rose from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
By the 1840s, Lafon was a successful merchant. Later he also found success as a real estate broker. However, throughout his life he lived modestly. A bachelor his whole life, Lafon shared a simple home with his widowed sister.
Lafon is best known, not for his wealth, but for his commitment to help those less fortunate. He founded the Lafon Orphan Boys' Asylum and the Home for Aged Colored Men and Women. He also donated liberally to various religious and charitable organizations. He made substantial contributions to the Underground Railroad, the American Anti-Slavery Society, the Catholic Institute for the Care of Orphans, the Louisiana Asylum, New Orleans University, Southern University and Straight College (now Dillard University).
He died in New Orleans in 1893.
Right after his death the Louisiana State Legislature voted to honor him in memoriam despite the racial discrimination that was so virulent at the time. He was the first black person to be so honored by any State in the Union.
Born in 1811 as a free person of color in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Thomy Lafon rose from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
By the 1840s, Lafon was a successful merchant. Later he also found success as a real estate broker. However, throughout his life he lived modestly. A bachelor his whole life, Lafon shared a simple home with his widowed sister.
Lafon is best known, not for his wealth, but for his commitment to help those less fortunate. He founded the Lafon Orphan Boys' Asylum and the Home for Aged Colored Men and Women. He also donated liberally to various religious and charitable organizations. He made substantial contributions to the Underground Railroad, the American Anti-Slavery Society, the Catholic Institute for the Care of Orphans, the Louisiana Asylum, New Orleans University, Southern University and Straight College (now Dillard University).
He died in New Orleans in 1893.
Right after his death the Louisiana State Legislature voted to honor him in memoriam despite the racial discrimination that was so virulent at the time. He was the first black person to be so honored by any State in the Union.
Family Members
Parents
Advertisement
Advertisement
