Year: 1906

Who: Sarah Breedlove Walker(1867–1919)

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana

What: Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, transformed the Black cosmetics industry and became a symbol of empowerment and success. Rising from humble beginnings as the daughter of freed slaves, Walker overcame poverty and prejudice to become the first self-made Black woman millionaire. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and community impact.

Walker’s journey began in Louisiana, where she was orphaned at age seven and widowed by 20. Seeking better opportunities, she moved to St. Louis, working as a washerwoman to support her daughter, Lelia. Inspired by Booker T. Washington’s philosophy of self-reliance and education, Walker found her calling in beauty products. After working as a commission agent for Annie Turnbo Malone, she started her own haircare line in 1905, drawing from personal experience with scalp issues and hair loss.

With the encouragement of her second husband, Charles J. Walker, she rebranded as Madam C.J. Walker and launched products like pomades and the hot comb. Her innovative marketing strategies included compelling advertisements, door-to-door sales, and the establishment of "Walker Clubs" to train and empower her sales agents—many of whom were African American women. By 1910, she relocated her business to Indianapolis, a strategic hub for manufacturing and distribution. Her company employed over 3,000 saleswomen, offering economic independence in a time of limited opportunities for Black women.

Beyond business, Walker was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting African American institutions like orphanages, schools, and the NAACP. She also funded scholarships and donated generously to civil rights causes. Walker’s influence extended beyond her products; her life served as an enduring source of inspiration, demonstrating the possibilities of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. When she passed in 1919, she left a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and community uplift that continues to inspire generations.

Sources:

Websites:

• National Geographic Society. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/happy-birthday-madam-cj-walker/

• PBS. (n.d.). Madam C.J. Walker: They Made America. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/theymadeamerica/whomade/walker_hi.html