Sunday, June 13, 2010

How One of Baseball's Trailblazers Really Became BMW's 1st Black Dealer, Part I

It was a piece of popular fiction that Bud Selig (the current baseball commissioner), was responsible for initiating Henry's (Hank Aaron) second act. Selig's family roots were in the car business and thus it made sense to think that when Henry created the Hank Aaron Automotive Group, the umbrella for a string of car dealerships he would begin in 1999, Selig had been the inspiration.

Not only was that not the case but Selig recalled warning Henry to think twice, and then think some more, before entering the car game. "Everybody was going to blame me if it didn't work," Selig said. "So I wanted him to know exactly what he was getting into."

It was Henry's old friend Jesse Jackson who indirectly got Henry involved in cars. It turned out that, even as the millennium neared, not a single American distributorship of Bavarian Motor Works, the great BMW, was owned by an African-American. When the situation came to light, the corporate types at BMW grew skittish, at first denying the charge, while refusing to name the black-owned distributorships. This was embarrassing, even so when Jackson began to advertise the fact. Like other status symbols, owning a BMW meant you had made it. It meant, class, speed, and enough disposable income to accept no substitute. An African-American who owned a BMW represented a significant financial achievement; thus Jackson did not relent in his criticism of the company. The criticism resonated especially in Atlanta, the city that came, not always accurately, the
symbol of success of black capitalism. That meant in Atlanta, a lot of black people were driving BMWs, and they could afford to change allegiances, switching to, say, Mercedes-Benz. Offending such an influential constituency was not good business.

And thus it came to pass that Henry Aaron became the first black majority owner of the first BMW franchise int the country, Hank Aaron BMW, located in Union City, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. Vic Doolan, an important man in the Atlanta auto business ( Doolan was once a senior executive at BMW and currently he's  an executive at Fisker Automotive, a high-end hybrid automaker) understood the necessity of being on the right side of a potentially explosive issue. He reached out to Henry and his people, and from protest came progress.

As a condition of ending the pressure, which had first been exerted on luxury import car makers for years by the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, BMW agreed to attract black ownership of BMW franchises, starting with Henry.

That was sweet, but not as sweet as the deal Henry received. Allen Tranenabum brokered the deal. He wanted two things, the first being choice of location. The second was that Henry would not have to put up his own money. BMW had come to him. The name Hank Aaron was currency enough.

Initially, not everyone was happy with the deal. The fact that Henry was receiving such a golden deal ruffled the minority professional (local Atlanta dealers) who had struggled and sweated in the low margins and glass ceilings of the car business ( with stores like Chevy and Toyota). To them, it was just another example of a celebrity handout. To read Part II, click here.

Editor's Note: This detailed account of how Henry Aaron became BMW's first black dealer just 10 years ago was reprinted from the recently release book, The Last Hero: A Life of Hank Aaron, which was authored by, ESPN sports writer and NPR correspondent, Howard Bryant. According to Bryant, he interviewed Aaron and a host of others for this insightful book. 

* Note: Anything in parenthesis was inserted by JeffCars.com to help bring some clarity to the piece.

78 comments:

Roosevelt Gist said...

View video of Hank discussing BMW dealership
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVc7s4AGYHg

Anonymous said...

When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on
each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment.
Is there an easy method you can remove me
from that service? Thanks!

Take a look at my blog - contact

Anonymous said...

Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read
stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity,
Guess I will just bookmark this web site.

Stop by my site More Info

Anonymous said...

Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing the other person's webpage link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do same in support of you.

Here is my blog post - http://www.acnetreatmentreview.co

Anonymous said...

salesoke.com
jesiweb.com
jesihost.com
hondapurwokerto.id
hondacilacap.com
hondabanjarnegara.com

ركن الخليج للخدمات المنزلية said...

شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام

شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالقصيم

شركة كشف تسربات المياه بخميس مشيط

khoale said...

toyota vios 2018
toyota vios g
vios 1.5 g
toyota vios 1.5 e số sàn
gia xe oto vios
gia xe toyota vios
mua xe vios
ban xe toyota
mua xe toyota vios
bang gia xe vios
xe vios moi
ban xe toyota vios
gia xe vios e

Unknown said...

qzz0605
coach outlet
nobis outlet
balenciaga sneakers
nuggets jerseys
pandora jewelry
coach handbags
kevin durant shoes
mulberry handbags
clippers jerseys
christian louboutin outlet

Unknown said...

Best Tyres Manufacturer in India - Ralco Tyre

Ralco Tyre is one of the best tyre manufacturer in India. We provide high quality Motorcycle, Scooters, Moped and Farming Tyres. Visit us or contact us to find the right tyre for your vehicle. We have best dealers in your area and you can buy Ralco Tyres from their stores.

Feel free to contact us:
Call : +91-161 -2511501
E-mail : ho@ralson.com or info@ralson.com
Visit : http://www.ralcotyre.com/

RoseMarry said...

This will be great reference material for a lot of people.Used Honda Odyssey Cars For Sale

Anonymous said...

Excellent article I really enjoyed reading this

1970's Classic Rock

Ralson Tyre said...

Looking for the best tyre for your vehicle? Ralson Tyre provides wide range of tyres for Bicycle, E-Rickshaw and City bike tyres. Ralson Tyres is Best Tyre Manufacturers In India.

Contact Us:
Call: 1800­ 1800 517
Email: info@ralson.com
Visit: https://www.ralson.com/

Unknown said...

wonderful information.
clipping path

farryjhons said...

manyautosltd.com Wonder information about Car Services Repairs And Not Free Collection & Delivery

Anonymous said...

Your individual stuffs outstanding.Balance Shoes One of the purposes of this website is to help people about find Top Balance Shoes and to help them get their good quality Wonder information about Car Services Repairs And Not Free Collection & Delivery

Amazon Review said...

IF YOU WANNA VERIFIED REVIEWS FOR AMAZON PRODUCT

AMAZON REVIEWS

Amazon sellers know how important product reviews are. But not all product reviews are created equal. In this post we’re going to explain what the differences are between a regular product review and a verified purchase product review. We’ll also teach you how to get verified Amazon product reviews with Feedback Genius.

Visit here --->>> AMAZON REVIEWS

Nava Islam said...

Thanks For Sharing This Article. By the way, you described everything in an elegant way. clippingpath

Clipping Path Service Provider said...

We the biggest photo editing, Background removal, Photo retouching services and Clipping path service provider. As images of products are the biggest weapon for a business company. Perfect Clipping path service means a lot to this professional business purpose. Do Visit to have more knowledge about unique service

BikeStall said...

BikeStall - Bike Price in Bangladesh, Motorcycle Price in Bangladesh , Bike Specs & Reviews. Here All the famous branded Bike are described with their full Specs, Reviews, Mileage, Colours & Price in Bangladesh.

SEO Expert said...

Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. Car Accident Lawyer

mrkdvsn said...

Now day, everything is going to find a new but well settled and successful stream for their career. When I came to this blog, I really impressed by all the knowledge points mentioned here. Thank you for this assistance.
ร่มกันแดดรถยนต์ราคาถูก

3nod maka said...

تواصل الآن مع اكبر شركة غسيل خزانات مكة و السعودية و هي شركة العنود التي تقدم شركة جلي بلاط بمكة حتى يتمكن العملاء من الحصول على خدمات شركة تنظيف فلل بمكة المتنوعة في اسرع وقت ممكن و على يد فريق مدرب على اعلى مستوى من عمالة شركة تنظيف مفروشات بمكة التي تقدم ايضًا خدمات مكافحة العته بمكة باستخدام افضل المبيدات الحشرية

anti.insects7@gmail.com said...

بادر الآن بالتواصل معنا في شركات مكافحة الحشرات بالقاهرة الكبرى الموجودة في مصر و هي الشركة الفرنسية التي تعتبر من كبرى شركات ابادة الحشرات و هي اشركة الفرنسية التي تساعد عملائها على التخلص من جميع الحشرات ، حيث ان افضل شركة لابادة الحشرات الخاصة بنا تعتمد على استخدام افضل مواد ابادة حشرات المنزل الفورية و الآمنة للتخلص من جميع انواع الحشرات

quotes4home said...


Online shopping in Pakistan is being delighted by ishop.global for original brands as there is no other name reliable We have the huge range of products for you to shop online from USA to Pakistan All genuine brand smartphones, appliances, fashion clothing and apparel, games, laptops and much more along fastest delivery across Pakistan https://ishop.global/

online shopping
online shopping in pakistan
amazon online shopping
amazon online shopping in pakistan
amazon pakistan

hollywoodmovies said...

Global Shopaholics is a Package forwarding company based in Delaware USA. We are proud to offer the cheapest International shipping rates from the USA to anywhere in the world to your Doorstep. Global Shopaholics core value is based on excellent customer experience while shopping internationally. Our main goal is to make international shopping shipping experience smooth, economical and easy. For more information keep visiting our website: globalshopaholics.com


shop and ship
myus
viabox

staf join said...

I appreciate this informative article for the student who seeking help in the essay writing. We also provide same there you may have the best online essay writing service with the largest database of writers

Tahir Saleem said...

At smartcityprestige Chauffeur Hire, our vehicles can be hired for any purpose - from airport transfers to prom-nights, special celebrations to wedding cars. We can even provide cars for photo shoots and promotional events. Whatever your requirement, we have the chauffeurs and cars to suit your budget: Get a Quite Visit our website: https://www.smartcityprestige.com/
Luxury wedding car hire london

Erica Rule said...

Japanese used cars are the most consistent as compared to other makes.like Used Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale In Europe

Zeelee said...

https://ptclbill.info
https://ptclbill.info/ptcl-duplicate-bill
https://ptclbill.info/ptcl-land-line-bill-download


Josef said...

Thanks for sharing
intensive driving course
red driving schools

Josef said...

Learning to drive and getting a driving license can take more time than one would expect. intensive driving course ensure that you use
relatively less time to refresh your driving skills or learn how to drive before you take on the practical test.

intensive driving course
red driving schools

fatima said...

London Heathrow airport taxi

London Heathrow airport minicab

Cheap airport taxi service

London Heathrow airport transfers

Airport taxi or cab near me

Urban Security Guards said...

Thanks for this post. It proves very informative for me. Great post to read. Keep blogging.

If you are looking for the top security companies in London that provide its customer with remarkable security services. Check out this site for security services and car park security systems

James Gardener said...

Hello! Your article was incredibly articulate and up to date. This will be important for the evolution of my website that deals with imaging center billing services. I will review this article again to have a more clear understanding of imaging center billing.
For more details regarding our website source, hit the link.

Photo Editing said...

I read your article and it is very nice & helpful thanks for sharing your work keep it up your work and tell us more interesting pieces of information thanks again for your work. jewelry retouching

chams rubbish said...

It's really a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
We are a highly regarded rubbish removal business who is based in London. Therefore we dispose of all the waste we collect in a responsible and environmentally friendly way, legally disposing of anything we clear from your location. You can hire us in the knowledge that all work will be carried out in the safest way and to the highest standards. Visit our site for house clearance london

C7YPT0N said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
دايركشن العقارية said...

جرين افنيو العاصمة الادارية
كمبوند جرين أفينيو العاصمة الجديدة هو المجتمع الذي سيحقق أحلامك لك ولأسرتك من المنازل الفاخرة ويساعدك في الحصول على شقة جديدة تمنحك تركيزًا جديدًا في حياتك ، مثل جميع الوحدات السكنية في كمبوند جرين أفينيو الجديدة. تتمتع العاصمة الإدارية بالعديد من الخدمات العولمة والأعمال العقارية الرائعة في سوق التطوير العقاري مشروع جديد ومنهج جديد يتم من أجله إنشاء مجموعة رائعة من خدمات الأعمال والترفيه التي من خلالها راحة البال للأطفال لأن كمبوند جرين أفينيو العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة محمي بالكامل. مخاطرة داخل ضميمة جرين أفينيو ، العاصمة الإدارية الجديدة ، وستكون هذه إحدى السمات الرئيسية للمرفق ، والتي سنتعرف عليها بالتفصيل في الأسطر القليلة القادمة. كما يعتبر المشروع من أهم المشاريع المعروضة في العاصمة.

dr-ahmedabdelsalam said...

دكتور احمد عبد السلام يقوم بعمل افضل عملية تكميم معدة وتحويل مسار بافضل سعر
افضل دكتور تكميم معده في مصر

Unknown said...

شركات أبواب غرف نوم مودرن
افضل عروض وخدمات معارض شركات ابواب مصفحة بالقاهرة تقدم خصومات نهاية العام وافضل الابواب المصفحة

Dedicated Hosting said...

wow, Good blog! I really love how it is simple in my eyes and the data are well written.
I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made.
I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick!
Have a nice day Dedicated Hosting

Custom Packaging Solution said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
thomasjack said...

Great post I like it very much keep it up.Hairspray Boxes packaging wholesale
box design and printing

thomasjack said...

Great photography nice blog to keep it up.
custom boxes near me
Low MOQ apparel boxes in usa

Writer Tom said...

We supply a wide wide variety of academic assignments, from research to dissertations, as nicely as proofreading and editing services. With our faculty composing services, research and small tutorial essays can be done within just the shortest deadlines, as well as enhancing perform. Dissertations might consider a little bit do my homework for a longer time to entire as they're prolonged papers that have to have excess notice.

Serina johson said...

I appreciate your post thanks for sharing the information.
Branding custom Packaging Boxes
bulk Invitation Boxes

Serina johson said...

Amazing product thanks for sharing with us It is very informative.
bulk Invitation Boxes
bulk Wallet Boxes

rabekahmarshall said...

Great job for publishing such a beneficial article. Your blog information isn’t only useful but it is additionally creative with high content too.
essay writing service is the best writing platform online which provide best writing services. If you are interested do check it. It will be very helpful for your blogs.
Thanks!

SouvenirKu SouvenirMu said...

the article is nice and warming
thanks
Kaos Sablon Satuan DTF

Klinik Kecantikan Murah di Jakarta said...

klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan

laser hair removal denver said...

klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan

laser hair removal price said...

klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan
klinik kecantikan murah di jakarta selatan

Why Every Business Owner Prefer Custom Vape Boxes? said...

Your blog post has lots of information. Thanks for sharing with us, it's really informative. Keep posting.

Edward said...

Zoom Digital is a reliable and experienced Online Marketing agency in the UAE. We provide high-end Search Engine Optimization, Custom Web Design and Social Media Marketing and Management (SMM) services in Dubai

Unknown said...

It's a great blog, we are also offering online tyres in UAE & I would like to suggest you visit our site & buy tyres online.

smithadam said...

Buy tires online at incredible prices at Etires.ae. Get Tires Installed at Your Doorstep or at an Installer Location Near You. online tyre shop dubai

Princess said...

Thanks for sharing this useful information.
Latest Jobs in Pakistan
SNGPL Sui Gas Bill Online
GEPCO Bill Online
LESCO Bill Online
IESCO Bill Online
MEPCO Bill Online
FESCO Bill Online
PTCL Bill Online

Sarah said...

Aesthetics International is more than just a brand. It's the name that people trust when it comes to cosmetic procedures of any kind. With teams comprising the hemisphere's top surgeons and consultants, Aesthetics International offers the most innovative plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures in the world. For anyone who's interested but having trouble trusting the results offered elsewhere, Aesthetics guarantees the best possible scenario after a thorough consultation.
Breast Augmentation surgery in Dubai
liposuction in dubai

Dunlop Tyre said...

Sand Dance Dunlop Tyre is a community of carrier facilities that offer car offerings for tyres, batteries, lubricants and car refurbishment in the course of the United Arab Emirates. Our committed crew of experts can make certain that your car runs smoothly, correctly and safely, and that everybody can power effortlessly. With an intensive catalog of brilliant tyres, batteries, lubricants and merchandise for all varieties of cars (from vehicles to SUVs, etc.), there may be usually one for you. Sand dance tyres are right here to offer you the at maximum great offerings we've. We offer all type of Dunlop Tyre offerings and we've an excessive tech restore shop, in addition to nicely skilled mechanic who can cope with your car.

Moiz Sheikh said...

Magic Tyres are the quality tyre producer in Dubai.They are the large tyre producer in all over Dubai.They have a wide range of quality tyres for your car to provide the best tyre experience and to increase the performance of your car. Tyres Online UAE

Anonymous said...

Buy Tyres Dubai is the best tyre shop to buy your desired car tyre for your car. They are the quality tyre producer in Dubai. The best shop to buy your car tyre from. They also provide the other services like Battery Changing,Braking Pads, Window Tinting Services, and also Nitrogen Air Filling services at very Discounted prices.

Aleena Aftab said...

Sand Dance Tyres are the best tyre shop in Dubai.They are the quality tyre producer in all over Dubai.They also deals with the branded tyres and also they have the wide range of quality tyres in Dubai which provides you the best tyre experience and maintain the performance for your car. Tyres Uae

Emily James said...

Accounting Services Canada
Digital Marketing Services Canada

taruhantoto said...

A good BMW with an amazing design

Fajartoto said...

A good BMW with an amazing design community of carrier facilities

holholholh said...

adadaa

HEYLINKKKKK said...

ADADADADAD

AAAAAA said...

AAAAAAA

AAAAA said...

AAAAAFAFVAFVAFADFA

IOJUHNCVVQNO9DQVBN said...

AVAQFG QFKQBHNCQ89NCJQ CIOQBCNQ

INVQNIV QK9CQB said...

AVQVQQVBQQBQ

BQQBQBQBQQB said...

ACAVQQ BVQQV

Color Clipping Ltd. said...

This is such an inspiring story that reminds us all what can be achieved if you stay focused and determined to succeed. BMW's first black dealer was a true trailblazer and deserves recognition for his hard work and dedication. Hats off to him!
Towards getting Stunning Product photo
see Best camera settings

arisantoto said...

effort does not betray results
poltartoto

mbc limo said...

In order to make your trip to Atlanta easier, MBC LIMO provides car services. A prom limousine, wedding limousine, special occasion limousine, and corporate car service are among the many options we provide.atlanta airport car services

safitrijati said...

we are a furniture company from jepara, our company will offer cheap furniture prices
kursi cafe terbaru
mebel jepara murah
mebel jepara minimalis
mebel jepara jati
mebel jepara minimalis
mebel jepara terbaru

smartautouae said...

Complete Car Care Center, Window Tinting, Car Detailing, Nano Ceramic Coating, Paint Protection Film, Car Polishing, Car wrapping,

Anonymous said...

This is such an inspiring story that reminds us all what can be achieved if you stay focused and determined to succeed. BMW's first black dealer was a true trailblazer and deserves recognition for his hard work and dedication. Hats off to him!
Towards getting Stunning Product photo
see Photo Editing service

Its Shop Time Mondays: Tesla Is Recalling Close To 700,000 EVs

TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138 Software Update Repairs Recall Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of ...