Madam C. J. Walker: First American woman millionaire business owner
Sarah Breedlove (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919), known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. Eulogized as the first female self-made millionaire in America, she became one of the wealthiest African American women in the country, “the world’s most successful female entrepreneur of her time,” and one of the most successful African-American business owners ever.
Madam C. J. Walker
Birth name: Sarah Breedlove
December 23, 1867
Delta, Louisiana, United States
Died: May 25, 1919 (aged 51)
Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, United States
Resting place: Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)
Residence: Villa Lewaro, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York
Nationality: American
Occupation: Businesswoman, hair-care entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Activist
Spouse(s)
Moses McWilliams (married 1882–1887)
John Davis (married 1894 – c. 1903)
Charles Joseph Walker (married 1906–1912)
Children: A’Lelia Walker
Website: www.madamcjwalker.com
C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, Indianapolis, 1911
Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products for black women through Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, the successful business she founded. Walker was also known for her philanthropy and activism. She made financial donations to numerous organizations and became a patron of the arts. Villa Lewaro, Walker’s lavish estate in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, served as a social gathering place for the African American community.
