Medical District in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Universal Life Insurance Building / Universal Life Insurance Company
Photographed By Judith Barber, February 5, 2013
1. Universal LIfe Insurance Building Marker
Universal Life Insurance Building
Designed by the African-American architectural firm of McKissack and McKissack and constructed in 1949, this building houses the national headquarters of the Universal Life Insurance Company. The Egyptian-Revival style of this building is an ongoing example of the interest that African Americans developed in the 1920s in Egyptian art. During the era of racial segregation, it was one of the few places where Blacks could gather for their civic and social affairs.
Universal Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1923 by Dr. J.E. Walker, with co-founders A.W. Willis, Sr. and M.W. Bonner, this family business grew to be the fourth largest African-American-owned life insurance company in the United States. Dr. Walker’s son, A. Maceo Walker, continued the business from 1952 until 1983. He was succeeded by his daughter, Patricia Walker Shaw, who ran it until her death in 1985. Descendants of all three families made significant contributions to the company’s growth.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 131.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 35° 8.216′ N, 90° 2.757′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in the Medical District. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Avenue (Tennessee Route 278) and South Danny Thomas Boulevard (Tennessee Route 1), on the right when traveling west on Linden Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 538 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Memphis TN 38126, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blair T. Hunt, Sr. / Blair T. Hunt, Jr. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); It was a Struggle for Freedom For Dignity and For Equality (about 700 feet away); First Baptist Church / Mt. Olive CME Church (about 700 feet away); Phi Beta Sigma/Abram Langston Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Church Terrell (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Hunt-Phelan Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Church Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); George W. Lee (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Photographed By Jimmie Tucker, April 2, 2009
2. Universal Life Insurance Building Historic Marker
Photographed By Judith Barber, February 5, 2013
3. Universal LIfe Insurance Building Marker
Photographed By Jeremy Green, circa 2014
4. Universal Life Insurance Building + Sign + Marker
Photographed By Judith Barber, February 5, 2013
5. Universal LIfe Insurance Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. This page has been viewed 696 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 13, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. 2. submitted on April 20, 2015, by Jimmie Tucker of Memphis, Tennessee. 3. submitted on February 13, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. 4. submitted on April 20, 2015, by Jimmie Tucker of Memphis, Tennessee. 5. submitted on February 13, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
