We are winding down our eighteen-month journey through the stories of remarkable black women in America. This journey could go on for many years! The reason we have only been doing stories for a year and a half is because we have concentrated on Black Women Firsts. This week we talk about very remarkable Black Female Firsts in business who were the first women -black or white -in their respected accomplishments– the remarkable Madame C. J. Walker, first female millionaire, and Maggie Lena Walker, first bank president.
Sarah Breedlove (Madam C. J.) Walker – 1867-1919
I wrote a longer post on Madam C. J. Walker earlier.[1] I just want to summarize the main points here and add some new information. I hope you will go to the post for more about this wonderful woman.
Into a time of destitution and aspiration, of mayhem and promise, Sarah Breedlove was born two days before Christmas 1867. It was a Yuletide that offered her parents, Owen and Minerva, no other gifts. Their sloped-roof cypress cabin possessed as its primary source of warmth and light an open-hearth fireplace. No official document recorded Sarah’s birth. No newspaper notice heralded her arrival. No lacy gown enveloped her tiny cocoa body.[2]
This poor and unprepossessing little baby would grow up to become Madam C. J. Walker (1867 – 1919) – known as the first black woman millionaire in America. She created a successful line of hair care products that are still being sold today. Born Sarah Breedlove, she was orphaned by age 8, married by age 14, a mother by age 17 and a widow at age 20.
Sarah’s story is told by her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles in “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker”. I highly recommend this book as incredibly interesting and inspirational. It is so wonderful to think that a woman can rise above her circumstances to succeed against all odds. Madame Walker became one of the most incredible and awe-inspiring African American women in the early twentieth century.
One day, working as a laundress, Sarah found that her hair was falling out uncontrollably. A black man told her about some ingredients she could use to rub on her scalp. She tried it. Her hair came back even better than expected. She decided to put the ingredients in a bottle and sell it. Black women who used her treatment all soon had gorgeous, luxurious hair.
Sarah was a natural businesswoman. She marketed her product successfully. Her best advertising was word of mouth and of course a very visual testimony! When a woman saw another woman with such magnificent hair she immediately wanted the product for herself.
Sarah made millions but she gave much of her money away. Among other charitable organizations she donated $5000 to Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune (see post April 10, 2017).
Sarah literally wore herself out. When she became ill in 1919 her doctor told her to rest. That was hard for her to do. Finally, one day her kidneys failed. Before Madam Walker went into a coma she said, “I want to live to help my race.” Sarah died Sunday morning, May 25, 1919.
The original Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing company was sold in 1986. She was recently honored by the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute when they inducted her into their hall of fame. In 1998 the U.S. Postal system released a stamp as part of the Black Heritage Series.
I enjoyed going to her website – www.madamcjwalker.com. You will find her story as well as the story of what has become of her company and where you can buy some products!!
A great video production from “People Plan”, (February 23, 2014) with many pictures and great biographical information is from:
“Madam CJ Walker – First African American Female Self-Made Millionaire”
On this video Sarah Breedlove (McWilliams Davis) Walker’s life is told beautifully with an emphasis on her character. Her business acumen, philanthropy, love and care for her race, including empowering over 25,000 women to get good jobs is recounted. Her selfless giving is to be admired. She was an inspiration to others to give also. Madam C. J. Walker was also active in politics, WWI, and social issues including the struggle against the illegal lynching of blacks. One of the most successful entrepreneurs of all times, her legacy continues to be admired.
More (mostly historically accurate information) can be seen and enjoyed in the miniseries:
Maggie Lena Walker – First Female Bank President – (1864-1934)
We recounted the story of Madame C. J. Walker – the First black woman millionaire in America! There were other “Firsts” such as Ida B. Wells, the First woman to challenge the bigotry of the transportation system by boarding a train in the ‘white’ section in 1884.[4]
A few years ago I wrote a story of Maggie Lena Walker – the First woman bank president in the United States.[5] Maggie was also a caring Christian woman whose work enabled many black people to lead better, happier lives. She is especially remembered for her efforts for the welfare of black youth. That post contains more information about her accomplishments. You can go there to read about them. Here is just a summary:
Maggie Lena Draper was born on July 15, 1864, in Richmond, Virginia to Elizabeth Draper, a former slave. Maggie attended the Richmond Colored Normal School, dedicated to the education of black children. In 1883 Maggie completed her training as a teacher. She took a job teaching at Lancaster School where she remained until 1886. It was while attending this school that Maggie joined the order of St. Luke.
Maggie married Armstead Walker, Jr. in 1886. At this time Maggie had to quit her job as a teacher because the school had a policy against married teachers. Maggie and Armstead had three sons; tragically baby Armstead died while still an infant. Melvin and Russell were born later. Maggie split her time between mothering her children and working for the Order of St. Luke.
Maggie Lena Walker and the St. Luke Society
Her accomplishments include work in the Independent Order of St. Luke, founding a newspaper, opening a bank, opening a department store, and involvement in social work. She ran for office. She worked among the youth helping thousands to a better life.
For the last few years of her life, Maggie Walker was ill and confined to a wheelchair. She died from the complications of diabetes on December 15, 1934, at age 70. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond. In 1979 her home on East Leigh St. was purchased by the National Parks Service and became a National Historic Site.
Just as for Madame C. J. Walker, I am so happy to put links to pictures of Maggie Lena Walker. Go to these links for her amazing story. Both productions are beautiful and interesting.
“Maggie Lena Walker”, by Marion Newton, YouTube, 11 minutes, 30 seconds.
Published on Oct 1, 2015
The First Black Woman in the United States to become a president of a local bank, Maggie’s story is told in “her voice” by a narrator. There are many great quotes. The pictures tell the story in a very memorable way. Her Christian faith became the most important thing in her life.
I am writing these stories to help bring about justice for black women. I don’t have all the answers to the problems of the world, but I do know this – we must learn to see the truth that in the church “there is neither Jew (Read “white”) or Gentile (read “black”), neither slave (read “poor”) or free (read “wealthy”), nor is there male and female (self-explanatory), for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (read “we are all equal members of the family of God.”) Galatians 28-29. The way of peace is slow. My prayer is for a more just and peaceful world.
“Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”
Black Women in America – Businesswomen
You might say that I was the first and caused others to awaken to the sense of their duty in helping deserving causes for the benefit of the race.
Black Women in America – Part 40
We are winding down our eighteen-month journey through the stories of remarkable black women in America. This journey could go on for many years! The reason we have only been doing stories for a year and a half is because we have concentrated on Black Women Firsts. This week we talk about very remarkable Black Female Firsts in business who were the first women -black or white -in their respected accomplishments– the remarkable Madame C. J. Walker, first female millionaire, and Maggie Lena Walker, first bank president.
Sarah Breedlove (Madam C. J.) Walker – 1867-1919
I wrote a longer post on Madam C. J. Walker earlier.[1] I just want to summarize the main points here and add some new information. I hope you will go to the post for more about this wonderful woman.
Into a time of destitution and aspiration, of mayhem and promise, Sarah Breedlove was born two days before Christmas 1867. It was a Yuletide that offered her parents, Owen and Minerva, no other gifts. Their sloped-roof cypress cabin possessed as its primary source of warmth and light an open-hearth fireplace. No official document recorded Sarah’s birth. No newspaper notice heralded her arrival. No lacy gown enveloped her tiny cocoa body.[2]
This poor and unprepossessing little baby would grow up to become Madam C. J. Walker (1867 – 1919) – known as the first black woman millionaire in America. She created a successful line of hair care products that are still being sold today. Born Sarah Breedlove, she was orphaned by age 8, married by age 14, a mother by age 17 and a widow at age 20.
Sarah’s story is told by her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles in “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker”. I highly recommend this book as incredibly interesting and inspirational. It is so wonderful to think that a woman can rise above her circumstances to succeed against all odds. Madame Walker became one of the most incredible and awe-inspiring African American women in the early twentieth century.
One day, working as a laundress, Sarah found that her hair was falling out uncontrollably. A black man told her about some ingredients she could use to rub on her scalp. She tried it. Her hair came back even better than expected. She decided to put the ingredients in a bottle and sell it. Black women who used her treatment all soon had gorgeous, luxurious hair.
Sarah was a natural businesswoman. She marketed her product successfully. Her best advertising was word of mouth and of course a very visual testimony! When a woman saw another woman with such magnificent hair she immediately wanted the product for herself.
Sarah made millions but she gave much of her money away. Among other charitable organizations she donated $5000 to Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune (see post April 10, 2017).
Sarah literally wore herself out. When she became ill in 1919 her doctor told her to rest. That was hard for her to do. Finally, one day her kidneys failed. Before Madam Walker went into a coma she said, “I want to live to help my race.” Sarah died Sunday morning, May 25, 1919.
The original Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing company was sold in 1986. She was recently honored by the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute when they inducted her into their hall of fame. In 1998 the U.S. Postal system released a stamp as part of the Black Heritage Series.
I enjoyed going to her website – www.madamcjwalker.com. You will find her story as well as the story of what has become of her company and where you can buy some products!!
A great video production from “People Plan”, (February 23, 2014) with many pictures and great biographical information is from:
“Madam CJ Walker – First African American Female Self-Made Millionaire”
Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/w64zkMY5H94
On this video Sarah Breedlove (McWilliams Davis) Walker’s life is told beautifully with an emphasis on her character. Her business acumen, philanthropy, love and care for her race, including empowering over 25,000 women to get good jobs is recounted. Her selfless giving is to be admired. She was an inspiration to others to give also. Madam C. J. Walker was also active in politics, WWI, and social issues including the struggle against the illegal lynching of blacks. One of the most successful entrepreneurs of all times, her legacy continues to be admired.
More (mostly historically accurate information) can be seen and enjoyed in the miniseries:
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of CJ Walker”[3]
Maggie Lena Walker – First Female Bank President – (1864-1934)
We recounted the story of Madame C. J. Walker – the First black woman millionaire in America! There were other “Firsts” such as Ida B. Wells, the First woman to challenge the bigotry of the transportation system by boarding a train in the ‘white’ section in 1884.[4]
A few years ago I wrote a story of Maggie Lena Walker – the First woman bank president in the United States.[5] Maggie was also a caring Christian woman whose work enabled many black people to lead better, happier lives. She is especially remembered for her efforts for the welfare of black youth. That post contains more information about her accomplishments. You can go there to read about them. Here is just a summary:
Maggie Lena Draper was born on July 15, 1864, in Richmond, Virginia to Elizabeth Draper, a former slave. Maggie attended the Richmond Colored Normal School, dedicated to the education of black children. In 1883 Maggie completed her training as a teacher. She took a job teaching at Lancaster School where she remained until 1886. It was while attending this school that Maggie joined the order of St. Luke.
Maggie married Armstead Walker, Jr. in 1886. At this time Maggie had to quit her job as a teacher because the school had a policy against married teachers. Maggie and Armstead had three sons; tragically baby Armstead died while still an infant. Melvin and Russell were born later. Maggie split her time between mothering her children and working for the Order of St. Luke.
Her accomplishments include work in the Independent Order of St. Luke, founding a newspaper, opening a bank, opening a department store, and involvement in social work. She ran for office. She worked among the youth helping thousands to a better life.
For the last few years of her life, Maggie Walker was ill and confined to a wheelchair. She died from the complications of diabetes on December 15, 1934, at age 70. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond. In 1979 her home on East Leigh St. was purchased by the National Parks Service and became a National Historic Site.
Just as for Madame C. J. Walker, I am so happy to put links to pictures of Maggie Lena Walker. Go to these links for her amazing story. Both productions are beautiful and interesting.
“Maggie Lena Walker”, by Marion Newton, YouTube, 11 minutes, 30 seconds.
Published on Oct 1, 2015
The First Black Woman in the United States to become a president of a local bank, Maggie’s story is told in “her voice” by a narrator. There are many great quotes. The pictures tell the story in a very memorable way. Her Christian faith became the most important thing in her life.
https://youtu.be/iRVHvWchnXI
Another great link:
“Carry On: The Life and Legacy of Maggie Lena Walker”
https://youtu.be/QR3CexPZXEk
I am writing these stories to help bring about justice for black women. I don’t have all the answers to the problems of the world, but I do know this – we must learn to see the truth that in the church “there is neither Jew (Read “white”) or Gentile (read “black”), neither slave (read “poor”) or free (read “wealthy”), nor is there male and female (self-explanatory), for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (read “we are all equal members of the family of God.”) Galatians 28-29. The way of peace is slow. My prayer is for a more just and peaceful world.
[1] May 2, 2017: https://authormarywalker.com/madam-c-j-walker-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist/
[2] A’Lelia Bundlrs. On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker (New York, NY: Washington Square Press, 2001). P. 25.
[3] You can get it on IMDB here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8771910/#
[4] Posted: https://authormarywalker.com/black-women-activists-ida-b-wells/
[5] 2017 Post: https://authormarywalker.com/maggie-lena-walker-first-female-bank-president/
Blog Categories
“Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”
Blog Categories