Civic Cipher – Way Black History Fact: The First Black-Owned Oil Company
USBC Media featured podcast Civic Cipher shares a remarkable “Way Black History Fact” spotlighting the pioneering Universal Oil, Gas, and Mining Company—the first Black-owned oil company in the United States. Founded by Odessa S. Strickland in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Texas Avenue, the company made history as the first oil enterprise operated entirely by an all-Black staff.
Universal Oil, Gas, and Mining was established during the Great Depression in 1930, a time when many businesses were failing. Despite the economic challenges, the company thrived, owning oil wells and producing oil in locations as far as Kentucky. It also expanded into mining zinc, lead, and silver. On March 2, 1931, the company was officially chartered under the laws of Louisiana and Texas.
By 1936, Universal had amassed taxable property and assets valued at $260,000. By 1939, it operated approximately nine oil wells, producing an average of 380 barrels of oil per day. The company sold crude oil to major buyers, including Standard Oil Company of Louisiana, as well as other refineries in Texas and Oklahoma.
Odessa Strickland’s contributions extended beyond his leadership role. He was also an inventor, creating the electrometer—an instrument designed to detect oil deposits by measuring electrons emitted from underground reserves. The electrometer was groundbreaking, with a nearly 100% success rate in identifying drilling sites. Of 141 sites tested with the device, 139 were confirmed to have oil. Strickland offered the use of this innovative tool for $50 to $75 per day, significantly enhancing the company’s profitability.
Universal Oil, Gas, and Mining’s legacy is a testament to Black excellence and resilience, breaking barriers in an industry where representation was scarce. This story exemplifies the ingenuity and determination of Black entrepreneurs during one of America’s most challenging economic eras.
