Emmer Lancaster
was the first African American graduate of the Municipal University of Akron. Dr. Lancaster began his education at @uakron in 1918 and was a member of the baseball, track, and debate teams. He graduated with an A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) in 1921.
While his education experience at UA is remarkable in its own right, it is his career after he graduated and his commitment to small and minority owned businesses in Akron and across the country is why we are celebrating him and his accomplishments. From 1940 to 1968 he served as Special Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce concerning blacks in small businesses. While he was in Washington D.C., he would travel to New York City once a week to attend classes at NYU, where he earned his Masters of Science in Retailing.
Also during his time in Washington D.C., Dr. Lancaster instituted “business clinics” around the country to help African American business persons construct business plans and expand profitable enterprises that created jobs. Under the auspices of the Commerce Department, Lancaster organized several national conferences to help African American businesses in America. The conferences helped with strengthening business curriculums at historically black colleges and universities; communicating detailed information about government services available to them; assisting with submitting proposals for government contracts; and providing opportunities to meet and learn from the more successful black entrepreneurs in the country. Due to his work, many African Americans became entrepreneurs who might not have otherwise; many existing entrepreneurs became larger and more successful; and many African Americans became gainfully employed who may not have had opportunities otherwise.
After retiring, Dr. Lancaster returned to Akron and became active in the community until he passed away in 1984. In 1971, The University of Akron awarded Dr. Lancaster the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws “in recognition of his significant leadership in legal and social progress and understanding.” (📷 - UAkron Libraries)