Wilson A. Rogers one of the first African Americans to operate a McDonald's franchise has died at the age of 93.

Born May 1, 1923 in West Point, OH, Rogers was one of eight children was drafted at 19 and served in World War II, where he was stationed in France with the 537 Quarter Master Corps.

He received an honorable discharge,  and worked numerous jobs including as a painter, realtor and working in the steel yards.  After 24 years of working for National Screw Manufacturing, Wilson decided to seek owning his own business.  In 1968 McDonald's when was boycotted because all of the franchises operated African American community were all white owned.  

As a result of the boycotts McDonald's founder Ray Croc began searching for black owners and Rogers was selected because of his passion to serve his community.

Thus, he became one of the first African-Americans to own and operate a McDonald’s franchise in Cleveland, Ohio in 1971.   Because of his commitment and operating strengths, Wilson earned the respect and admiration of his peers and recognized not as just a minority owner but as a man of vision and integrity that resulted in him owning four McDonald’s franchises.  

These franchises were right in the heart of Cleveland and were located on Miles Ave, E.93rd and Kinsman, E. 114th and Buckeye, E. 82nd and Euclid, and E. 30th and Carnegie.  Wilson has been a pioneer in the McDonald’s system by leading with the implementation of Value Meals, single lane and double lane Drive-Thru’s and he was a Board Chair and Co-op President of McDonald’s Operators and so much more.  Wilson loved family, Wilson loved people, people loved him, and he was a father not only to his own children but also to his extended family the people who worked alongside him through his McDonald’s locations.  

He strongly believed, “that it took a village to raise a child” and education was his number one priority.  He championed many charitable causes throughout Northeast Ohio and one of his greatest community efforts was the formation of the UNCF Golf outing 25 years ago and his support of the UNCF College Fund, which provided scholarships to minority students to further their education.

Visit our business directory to view other black owned businesses in Cleveland and black owned businesses in Ohio

Source:

http://www.callandpost.com/single-post/2016/09/21/Wilson-A-Rogers---Remembered-as-History-Maker