Rooted in Independence in Boley, Oklahoma, a historic all-Black town built on self-reliance, Bezelee Martin developed the mindset that would guide his life. Even as a child, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit—running a lawn mowing business, hiring other kids, selling concessions at baseball games, and distributing products.
In 2006, TMJ4’s Andrea Williams spoke with the late Bezelee Martin about his journey and recently sat down with his family to reflect on the legacy he left behind.
“I came from Oklahoma at the time, and I told my mother when I came here, I was coming to learn how to take care of myself and provide for myself,” Martin said.
Building the Skillset
Martin continued his journey at Milwaukee Area Technical College, studying business and bookkeeping while working at a tannery.
By 1950, he became Wisconsin’s first Black licensed car dealer. He went on to launch a hosiery line, operate a trucking company, and build a wholesale business.
Watch: Remembering the man who started Lena’s Food Market:
Remembering Lena’s Food Market
But when the construction of an expressway displaced many of his customers, Martin pivoted…