New Birth Missionary Baptist Church remembers Lecester “Bill “ Allen “a powerful catalyst for progress”

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is remembering Lecester “Bill” Allen, founder of the New Black Wall Street Market, as “a powerful catalyst for progress.” Mr. Allen passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

“It is with heavy hearts that New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announces the transition from labor to award of Mr. Lecester “Bill” Allen, a member of the New Birth Board of Directors. Founder of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, Mr. Allen blazed trails as a successful educator and entrepreneur for the past 50+ years.

A self-made man from rural Arkansas, Mr. Allen leaves an amazing legacy of achievement, self-determination, and a profound consciousness for progress for the African American community. Despite his humble beginnings, Mr. Allen created several thriving companies throughout the nation as well as numerous philanthropic endeavors which have benefited thousands.

Mr. Allen was a powerful catalyst for progress in DeKalb County. The Allen family established the AEI StartUp Factory, a co-working and event space adjacent to the Mall at Stonecrest,  and are the founders of the New Black Wall Street Market, a commemorative venture of the 1921 Tulsa Black Wall Street Massacre. NBWS is home to over 100 African-American business owners and vendors who comprise this state-of-the-art enterprise for established and burgeoning entrepreneurs. The Allen family is the largest landowner in Stonecrest, holding 300 acres of real estate and property.

The New Birth family celebrates the life and legacy of Mr. Bill Allen and sends our prayers to his wife, Mattie, and the entire Allen family.”

Statement from Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant:

“I am deeply saddened at the loss of my dear friend and mentor, Mr. Bill Allen. Aside from his obvious success in business, Mr. Allen was rich in wisdom and humility. He had a deep love for our people and truly committed himself to the empowerment of Black families and communities through education and wealth-creation.

As a New Birth board member, he served our church well with his enthusiasm for God and his dedication to the people of GOD. He believed passionately in our mission to transform the lives of those in our local community as well as our potential to have profound impact around the globe.

As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his immense legacy by committing ourselves to the ideals and ethos that made Bill Allen a once-in-a-generation trailblazer. Rest in peace, sir.”