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The SmallBizChat Podcast: America at 250: Mary Ellen Pleasant – America’s First Black Venture Capitalist with Melinda Emerson

July 30, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode of The SmallBizChat, Melinda Emerson delves into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Mary Ellen Pleasant as part of the America 250 series. The discussion covers Pleasant’s ventures during the California Gold Rush and draws parallels with modern AI advancements. Melinda highlights Pleasant’s role as America’s first black venture capitalist, her challenges, and […]

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The SmallBizChat Podcast: America at 250: Mary Ellen Pleasant – America’s First Black Venture Capitalist with Melinda Emerson

In this episode of The SmallBizChat, Melinda Emerson delves into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Mary Ellen Pleasant as part of the America 250 series. The discussion covers Pleasant’s ventures during the California Gold Rush and draws parallels with modern AI advancements. Melinda highlights Pleasant’s role as America’s first black venture capitalist, her challenges, and […]