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nd-1973-JUNE

By Alfred Edmond, Jr. | Published August 8, 2010 | Full size is 501 × 320 pixels

In June 1973, BLACK ENTERPRISE launched its most enduring franchises with its original Top 100 list ranking the nation’s largest black-owned businesses, including industrial, service, and professional businesses. Total sales: $473.4 million. Motown Industries, owned and operated by legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, was the list leader for well over a decade. Now called the BE 100s, our rankings of leading industrial/service companies, auto dealerships, advertising agencies and financial services firms, has become the authoritative barometer for black business progress.

In June 1973, BLACK ENTERPRISE launched its most enduring franchises with its original Top 100…