Edward Walton Pearson, Sr. was a prominent African-American entrepreneur, civil rights leader, and community organizer whose life spanned the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in 1872, Pearson initially distinguished himself through military service, serving as a Buffalo Soldier and fighting as a veteran in the Spanish–American War. These early experiences laid a foundation for a lifetime of leadership, public service, and community advocacy.
In 1906, Pearson moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where he would make his most lasting contributions. As an entrepreneur and community organizer, he became deeply involved in the development of African-American neighborhoods and the enrichment of local community life. His extensive influence and leadership in these initiatives earned him the moniker "Black Mayor of West Asheville." In addition to his civic and business endeavors, Pearson was a pioneering sports enthusiast who promoted athletic activities as a means of community cohesion. Through his diverse efforts, he remained a vital figure in the advancement and development of his community until his death in 1946.
