Home / Arts and Entertainment / Little Rock's Hidden History: The Mosaic Templars' Story
Little Rock's Hidden History: The Mosaic Templars' Story
4 Jul
Summary
- Founded by former slaves, Mosaic Templars provided vital insurance for Black people.
- The organization offered life and burial insurance when others denied coverage.
- A devastating fire in 2005 led to the creation of a new museum on the site.
At the intersection of West 9th and Broadway in Little Rock, Arkansas, stands a building on historically significant ground. This structure is the modern Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, established where the original headquarters of the Mosaic Templars of America once stood.
Founded around 1913 by former slaves Chester Keatts and John Edward Bush, the Mosaic Templars of America offered essential life and burial insurance to Black communities. At a time when insurance companies often denied coverage or failed to honor policies for African Americans, the Templars provided a critical safety net. With a membership that numbered around 100,000 globally, the organization's influence was widespread.
The Great Depression brought financial difficulties, leading the company into receivership. Decades later, in 2005, the original building was destroyed by fire. This unfortunate event paved the way for the current structure, which now houses a museum. The museum features exhibits, including the original pediment from the entrance, serving as a constant reminder of the pioneering organization's history and impact.
