Lorano Carter was an influential figure in the history of San Jose, California. His legacy includes his contributions to the development of the city’s infrastructure, his dedication to civil rights and social justice, and his impact on the local business community.
Lorano Carter was born in 1921 in the small town of Millen, Georgia. He grew up in a segregated society, where opportunities for African Americans were limited. Despite this, Carter was determined to succeed and worked hard to earn a college education. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a degree in business administration.
After graduating from Morehouse College, Carter moved to San Jose in 1948. At that time, San Jose was a small, rural community with a population of only about 95,000 people. However, it was also experiencing a period of growth and change, as the post-war boom brought an influx of new residents and businesses to the area.
Carter quickly became involved in the local business community, working as a sales representative for a number of companies. He was also active in the civil rights movement, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans. He served as the president of the local chapter of the NAACP and worked to increase voter registration among minority communities.
In the 1950s, Carter turned his attention to the issue of housing discrimination. At that time, it was common practice for landlords and real estate agents to refuse to rent or sell homes to African Americans and other minorities. Carter worked tirelessly to change this, organizing protests and lobbying local officials to pass anti-discrimination laws.
Carter’s efforts paid off in 1960, when the San Jose City Council passed the Fair Housing Ordinance. This landmark legislation made it illegal to discriminate against people based on their race, religion, national origin, or other protected status. It was one of the first such laws in the country and helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In addition to his work on civil rights issues, Carter was also a prominent figure in the business community. He founded his own company, the Lorano Carter Insurance Agency, which specialized in providing insurance for minority-owned businesses. He also served as the president of the San Jose Minority Business Council, which worked to promote economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
Carter’s influence extended beyond his business and civil rights activities. He was also involved in a number of community organizations, including the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the Santa Clara County Fair. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the local chapter of the Masonic Lodge.
Carter’s impact on the city of San Jose can still be felt today. His work on civil rights issues helped to shape the city’s values and identity, making it a more inclusive and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. His dedication to the business community helped to promote economic growth and development, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and workers.
In recognition of his contributions, Carter received numerous awards and honors throughout his life. He was inducted into the San Jose Business Hall of Fame in 2003 and was posthumously awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award in 2011. The Lorano Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund was also established in his honor, providing financial assistance to minority students pursuing careers in business.
Lorano Carter was a remarkable individual whose legacy continues to inspire and motivate people today. His commitment to civil rights and social justice, his dedication to the business community, and his involvement in community organizations make him a true hero of San Jose’s history. His life serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for everyone.
