John E. Bush, born into slavery, rose to become a respected teacher, real estate developer, and civic leader in Arkansas. In 1898, he was appointed Receiver of the U.S. Land Office in Little Rock, making him one of the highest-ranking Black federal officials in the South at the time. He also co-founded the Mosaic Templars of America, a Black fraternal organization that provided insurance and mutual aid. Bush passed away on this day in 1916, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and community building.
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