Madam C. J. Walker

Overview

Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is recorded as the wealthiest African-American woman of her time, developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products for Black women. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment, transforming her from a washerwoman to a self-made millionaire.

Main Milestones

Birth in Delta, Louisiana

December 23, 1867

Sarah Breedlove was born on a cotton plantation in Delta, Louisiana, just after the Emancipation Proclamation. She was one of six children and the first in her family to be born free. Her early life was marked by poverty and the hardship of post-Civil War life in the South.

Orphaned and Moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi

1874

Both of Sarah's parents died by 1874, leaving her orphaned at the age of seven. She moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, to live with her older sister, Louvinia, and her brother-in-law. She worked as a domestic servant during this time and likely faced exploitation and limited opportunities.

Marriage to Moses McWilliams

1882

At the young age of 14, Sarah married Moses McWilliams to escape the abusive household of her sister's husband. This marked her first attempt to gain independence and control over her own life. Their daughter, Lelia (later known as A'Lelia Walker), was born in 1885.

Working for Annie Malone and Experimenting with Hair Care

1905

After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, Sarah began working as a commission agent for Annie Malone, another African American haircare entrepreneur. This experience provided her with valuable knowledge about the industry and the specific needs of Black women. She also started experimenting with her own hair care formulas, seeking a solution for her own hair loss.

Marriage to Charles Joseph Walker and Founding Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company

1906

Sarah married Charles Joseph Walker, an advertising salesman, who became her business partner. With his marketing expertise and her haircare knowledge, she launched the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. She adopted the name Madam C.J. Walker, creating a persona that conveyed sophistication and success.

Relocation to Indianapolis and Expansion

1910

Madam Walker moved her business headquarters to Indianapolis, Indiana, a city with a large African American population and good transportation links. This strategic move allowed her to expand her manufacturing operations, establish a training school for her "Walker Agents," and create a more centralized business hub.

Walker Agents Convention

1913

Madam Walker held the first annual convention of her Walker Agents, bringing together hundreds of women from across the country. These conventions served not only as business meetings but also as celebrations of Black women's achievements and opportunities for empowerment, fostering a sense of community and shared success.

Villa Lewaro Construction Begins

1916

Madam Walker commissioned the construction of Villa Lewaro, a grand Italianate mansion in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York. Designed by Black architect Vertner Woodson Tandy, Villa Lewaro became a symbol of her success and a gathering place for African American intellectuals and artists. It represented her commitment to investing in her community and showcasing Black excellence.

Death at Villa Lewaro

May 25, 1919

Madam C.J. Walker passed away at Villa Lewaro at the age of 51 due to complications from hypertension. At the time of her death, she was widely considered the wealthiest African-American woman in America. Her legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for social justice continues to inspire generations.