KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Cal Johnson of Knoxville was born into slavery but became a prominent racetrack and saloon owner, and by the time of his death in 1925, he was one of the wealthiest African-American businessmen in the state.

We visited the Beck Cultural Exchange Center to learn more about what Johnson did with his fortune.

The walls of the Heritage Room at Beck is filled with East Tennessee’s black history and Cal Johnson’s important role in it. There is a rare photo of his race horses, and in homage to his saloon days, there’s a Cal Johnson Rum you can buy today.

He used the money he earned to help others.

Dr. Renee Kessler of Beck Center said Johnson had a heart for kids despite never having children. He invested in Cal Johnson Park, building a beautiful fountain and archway, and lighting a Christmas tree every year for families to enjoy.

Today, the Cal Johnson Rec Center stands where the park used to be, continuing his legacy.

Another building, now gone, provided a home for children who needed one. Johnson donated an untold amount of money to the orphanage founded by James and Ethel Beck. It has personal significance for Kessler.

“I don’t share this with a lot of people, ” she said. “Cal Johnson used his money to help with the Ethel Beck orphanage because many children did not have a home to live in and he thought that was a travesty, like Miss Ethel Beck. I’m very, very grateful that he did that, because my mom lived in that orphanage.”

Learn more about Cal Johnson by visiting the Beck Center at 1927 Dandridge Avenue in Knoxville.