"As the original source material in Gary
Palgon's biography makes clear, many of William Leidesdorff's most notable
accomplishments relate to his participation in the beginnings of business and
commerce in California. The achievements of this African-American entrepreneur,
diplomat and California pioneer are truly remarkable." 

“The life of William Alexander Leidesdorff is the kind
of African-American success story that deserves its proper place in history. 
Young people, both black and white, need to know that even during the era of
slavery, African-Americans were leaders among the pioneers who settled the West
and built our great cities.  The fact that Leidesdorff served on San Francisco's
first school board and helped to start the city's first school attests to the
importance that African-Americans accorded education even on the frontier and
even in that difficult time.”

"It is important to share the life and success of such a great African-American with the world.  His
story will guide so many others to desire and accomplish much with their own
dreams. I salute you for making this information possible to those who might not
get the chance to read about William Alexander Leidesdorff.”