We trot her out in February, Black History month, then leave her life and legacy quietly sitting somewhere in the corners of our minds. Most African-Americans know that she was the first female self made millionaire in the United States and we enjoy the fact that she was Black. You probably know that she was recognized by the U. S. Postal Service in 1998 with a stamp in her honor as a part of its "Black Heritage" series. Are you still wondering who my subject is? She's inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and civil rights activist Sarah Breedlove, best known to the world as Madam C. J. Walker.
Born on December 23, 1867 in Delta, Louisiana, Sarah Breedlove was the daughter of two former slaves. Unlike the rest of her siblings, she was born free. At the age of seven, she worked in the cotton fields and married Moses Mc Willians at the age of fourteen to escape her brother-in- law's cruel treatment. The couple had a daughter, Lelia, known later as A'Lelia Walker. When her husband died mysteriously, Sarah moved North to St. Louis at the age of 20. She worked as a laundress and cook, surviving on $1.50 per day and struggled to send her daughter to school. In 1894, Sarah tried marriage again, but her husband was unreliable and unfaithful.
At the age of 35, Sarah's life was uncertain and to top off all her troubles, she was losing her hair. In the early 1900's, most Americans lacked indoor plumbing and electricity, and bathing was a luxury. Many women washed their hair infrequently and suffered hair loss due to environmental hazards, i.e. pollution, bacteria and lice. Just before the 1904 World's Fair, Sarah's fortunes began to change as a result of her seeking treatment for hair loss. She discovered the "Great Wonderful Hair Grower" of Annie Turnbo. The hair straightener and other products provided Sarah with answers to her hair problems, but more importantly, she became a salesperson for the products. Shortly after she began to work as a local agent, Sarah met and later married savvy salesman Charles Joseph ("C. J.") Walker.
Using a remedy for hair growth, some of which were products grown in Africa, Madam C. J. Walker showed herself to be a marketing wiz. First, she incorporated in 1910 using $10,000 of her own money when she was unable to attract backers. Next, her company trained more than 40,000 "Walker Agents", teaching them the whole Walker System from vegetable shampoos to cold creams, witch hazel, diets and the controversial hot comb. Contrary to popular opinion, Madam C. J. Walker did not invent the hot comb, but rather improved it causing her sales to "sizzle". She carefully linked herself to her products placing a special seal with her image on each. She soon became the Mona Lisa of black beauty brands. when her marriage failed in 1912, she insisted on keeping the name she had built.
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| Villa Lewaro-"dream of dreams" |
Millions mourned her death of hypertension at age 51 on May 25, 1919. Her funeral was held at Villa Lewaro. Her personal fortune was about $700,000. She was credited with being the first female millionaire in the United States. The Walker Building in downtown Indianapolis was completed in 1927, after her death. The arts center was an important part of African American culture for decades and is registered as a National Historic Landmark, as is Villa Lewaro.
The contributions of Sarah Breedlove aka Madam C. J. Walker will long be remembered and will serve as a role model for ages to come. She "did big things".
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