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STONECREST, GA—Tributes continue to pour in for New Black Wall Street Market Founder Lecester “Bill” Allen. Today, June 29, marks one week since Mr. Allen’s passing. Mr. Allen, 80, died after a long illness. The family of Mr. Allen has not released any information concerning funeral arrangements.
Meanwhile, dozens of people have stopped by the New Black Wall Street Market to pay their respects, writing messages in a memorial book where a portrait of Mr. Allen is now erected at the entrance of the market.
Additionally, top dignitaries who knew Mr. Allen have issued statements reflecting on his contributions to the community. Mr. Allen was the largest commercial landowner in the city of Stonecrest amassing 300 acres of real estate. He launched the New Black Wall Street Market in the city with the goal of recreating and revitalizing the spirit of the original Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also mentored thousands of entrepreneurs at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, which he founded.
Mr. Allen served on the Board of Directors at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church.
Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson, who lives in the city of Stonecrest and represents the Fourth Congressional District, issued the following statement:
“Bill Allen was a profoundly important citizen of the Stonecrest community whose contributions greatly impacted not just Stonecrest, but the world,” said Rep. Hank Johnson. “His success in business was equaled by his service to others. His was a life well lived. My deepest prayers are with Mr. Allen’s family.”
DeKalb County CEO-Elect Lorraine Cochran-Johnson stated that she was devastated by the loss of Mr. Allen, sharing:
“Mr. Allen has been a friend and mentor for over a decade and I am devasted by his loss.”
“Mr. Allen was extremely committed to overcoming the historical financial indignity in black and brown communities. I can still remember getting a personal call from Mr. Allen to stop by for a visit. When I arrived, we immediately got in his car, and he drove around Stonecrest to show me the land he had purchased and shared his vision to recreate a modern-day Tulsa Black Wallstreet.
His love for entrepreneurship will be one of his greatest legacies.
I hope we can work together to move his vision to build Stonecrest forward. Mr. Allen was an eternal visionary who operated at a level few people can understand. Few people know the magnitude of his life and accomplishments, so I am proud to have known him and my condolences go out to his wife and family.”
Pictured: Rockdale County Probate Judge Gary Washington with Lecester “Bill” Allen
Rockdale County Probate Judge Gary Washington remembered Mr. Allen as a friend who was passionate about his spiritual life and his commitment to mentoring minority students for business.
“Lecester “Bill” Allen was my friend. We met in the Men’s Sunday School class at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church. His knowledge of the Bible and his unassuming wisdom often provided a deeper understanding of the Sunday School lessons, giving them more meaning and better practical application outside of class in the world.
Bill was passionate and committed to teaching young women minority students about entrepreneurship. He frequently invited me, in my capacity as an attorney, to speak to young students at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute on the topic, “Act Like a Student, Think Like a Cop.” Bill was also a staunch supporter of my judicial career as I aspired to and eventually became a judge in Rockdale County.
Bill held his friend and mentor, Thornton Anderson, in the highest esteem. Thornton Anderson was a Deacon at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, our Sunday School teacher, and an exceptional biblical scholar. Both Bill and Deacon Anderson, these giants of our community, passed away in the same week. Their legacy will have a lasting impact on my life.”