Introduction

Alice Mason, renowned Manhattan real estate agent and the toast of the city's elite society, recently hosted one of her legendary black-tie dinner parties. Having gained a reputation for her lavish gatherings, Mason was not prepared for the revelation of a secret she had concealed for most of her life—her African American heritage.

A Rich Social Life

For decades, Alice has been synonymous with high society entertainment in New York City, throwing approximately six grand dinner parties each year for an exclusive circle of guests. Notables like Barbara Walters, Bill Clinton, and Estée Lauder have graced her tables, which are designed to encourage flowing conversations across small groups rather than the usual pairings of couples.

Journey to Real Estate

Born in Philadelphia and steeped in societal norms, Alice initially pursued a career in dance before taking a leap into real estate. It all began in 1952 when she met Gladys Mills, who became her mentor after helping her secure an apartment in New York City. With a unique skill set and a network of glamorous clients—Marilyn Monroe among them—Alice carved out a niche, becoming one of the city's most sought-after brokers by deftly navigating the exclusive and often discriminatory co-op boards of the time.

Understanding Society's Codes

Alice recognized early that pedigree and connections could open doors—or close them. She developed a knack for advising her clients on how best to impress board members: large donations to the arts, strategic social connections, and even tactical seating arrangements during meetings.

More Than a Broker

However, Alice Mason was far more than just a successful real estate agent. Her interests blossomed into political activism, and she became a key fundraiser for the likes of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. During a time when race relations in America were still fraught, Alice’s dual identity led to a life filled with contradictions—successfully presenting to Manhattan society while hiding her true heritage.

A Personal Revelation

The complexity of her racial identity came to light in a profoundly personal moment when her daughter, Dominique, learned at the young age of 9 that she was half Black. Alice had carefully curated a life that allowed her to navigate predominantly white spaces, yet unbeknownst to many, she had a family background steeped in the African American elite, including ties to prominent organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha.

The Unveiling of Truth

Despite her efforts to maintain this dual existence, the truth surfaced in the most unexpected way—a guest at one of her parties inadvertently revealed her heritage. Although society had become more accepting by the time her secret was exposed, Alice grappled with shame and anger, believing she had been betrayed.

Literary Spotlight

Yet, Lawrence Otis Graham, the author who highlighted Alice’s hidden identity in his seminal book, “Our Kind of People,” remarked on the surprise that surrounded this revelation. He had not set out to expose Alice, but rather to document the lives of influential Black families—he had no idea that she was one of those families literally passing as white.

Enduring Legacy

Despite the resulting gossip, Alice's business acumen remained unscathed. More importantly, her political endeavors left a lasting impact on the landscape of American politics, particularly as she fought for civil rights and equality while maintaining her firm.

A Changing Landscape

As the 2000s rolled in, however, the dynamics of Manhattan real estate began to shift, and Alice’s black-tie gatherings grew fewer and farther between. By the time she closed her real estate firm in 2009, the world seemed to have evolved past the exclusive walls of co-ops that once consumed so much of her effort.

Conclusion

Following her passing at the age of 100 on January 4, 2024, Alice Mason remains a pivotal figure—a legend in both real estate and society whose story reflects the complexities of race, identity, and resilience. With memories of her glamorous parties and influential connections, Alice's legacy serves as a reminder of the societal structures that have shaped lives—both in feasts of the elite and the quiet battles fought behind closed doors.