ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the historical development of Chicago’s ethnic beauty aids industry is examined from the perspective of black manufacturers. The central argument of this chapter is that the business strategies of black manufacturers in Chicago’s ethnic beauty aids industry have been shaped by racism and racial discrimination in mainstream society from the industry’s inception to the contemporary period. This point is highlighted through an examination of three generations of black manufacturers in Chicago. The experiences of these black manufacturers are discussed in the context of three historical periods.
