George Elmore, a Palm Beach County

Businessman, is a 2020 Democratic Presidential

Candidate

George Elmore’s remarkable campaign to gain voting rights in an all-white South Carolina Democratic primary in 1946 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against bigotry and injustice. As 2020 Democratic presidential candidates appeal to African American voters, they would do well to remember Elmore’s remarkable struggle.

Early Life and Education

In 1946, George Elmore, a black businessman, challenged the South Carolina Democratic Party over its whites-only primaries. This battle culminated in Elmore v. Rice, an iconic court case which ended South Carolina’s whites-only primary and allowed African Americans to vote in their own primaries for the first time.

Today, as 2020 presidential candidates reach out to Black voters in South Carolina, it is worth remembering Elmore’s struggle for civil rights. His actions and those of others who worked towards their rights not only reflected the racial climate of their times but also served to illuminate the progress made towards racial justice throughout this country’s long journey.

George Elmore founded Hardrives of Delray Beach in 1953, a heavy construction firm. Through his leadership, perseverance and “street smart” intuitive mind, he laid the foundation for I-95 and many other major highway projects throughout Florida.

Professional Career

George Elmore was a professional footballer who played for Glossop, Blackpool and West Bromwich Albion as a forward. He is remembered as one of Altrincham’s early stars and immortalized on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

His professional career began at Moss Lane in 1902/03, initially as a reserve player but soon promoted to the first team. On February 11th he scored on his debut during a 2-0 FA Cup replay defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

In 1905/06, Altrincham captain Ron Carter captained them and ended the season as leading goal scorer with 30 goals – a personal best. His accomplishments earned him a place in Cheshire League history and another Cheshire Senior Cup winners medal.

Achievements and Honors

George Elmore served in the United States Marine Corps and earned himself a Navy Cross. Tragically, he was tragically lost during combat operations during the Korean War.

He was posthumously awarded for his heroism and valor in battle against an enemy force. His bravery, unwavering fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful removal of wounded personnel and saving the lives of his comrades.

On behalf of the United States, I am proud to award Private First Class George William Elmore with the Navy Cross (Posthumously), in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division on February 26, 1951 during action against enemy aggressor forces in South Korea.

Personal Life

George Elmore is a modest businessman with an immense passion for community involvement. As founder or leader of numerous Palm Beach County organizations, his commitment to giving back has been unparalleled.

He has been an inspiring advocate for causes such as Children’s Miracle Network and has made significant contributions to the Community Foundation of Palm Beach County, where he served as its first president.

His dedication to civil rights earned him a place in history as an influential pioneer who won voting rights for African Americans. He is credited with initiating the lawsuit that eventually led to Elmore v. Rice, a landmark court ruling which declared South Carolina’s all-white primary no longer discriminated against Black voters.

Net Worth

George Elmore, founder and president of South Florida heavy construction firm Elmore Brothers Inc, has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. This fortune has been earned through his successful business career as well as personal successes.

He and his wife Wilma founded Hardrives Delray in 1953, and since then the couple has collaborated on major highway construction and site development projects throughout South Florida.

Elmore was born in Franklin, Massachusetts and raised in New York City. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in African American studies, then began acting professionally in theater productions.

She is best known for her roles on the action-drama series The Last Ship as Lieutenant Alisha Granderson and on BET Twenties 2020 and HBO’s Insecure (2016). Throughout her career, she has made many guest appearances on television and radio shows.