Black History : Sarah Breedlove a.ka. Madam CJ Walker

[MzBlkAngel]

Sarah Breedlove was born in Delta, Louisiana, on Dec. 23, 1867, the daughter of Owen and Minerva Breedlove. Orphaned at six, she moved to Vicksburg with her sister, Louvenia, when she was ten. At the age of fourteen she married Moses (Jeff) McWilliams. They had a daughter, A'Lelia, born in 1885. McWilliams died in 1887, said to have been the victim of a race riot in Greenwood, Mississippi

http://www.indianahistory.org/pop_hist/people/walker.html

 

[PurpleMoons]

Outstanding drop of history here!

 

[panafrica]

I didn't know she died in a race riot, thanks for the info MBA!

 

[MzBlkAngel]

Pan, Actually her husband Moses (Jeff) McWilliams deid in the riot in 1887. Madam CJ walker did not pass away until May 25, 1919, at the age of 51.

Madam CJ Walker was an inventor and businesswoman. In 1905 Sarah Breedlove developed a conditioning treatment for straightening hair. Starting with door-to-door sales of her cosmetics. She was one of the first black african american woman who was a millionaire. As her wealth grew, Madam Walker gave increasing amounts to African American charities. One of her greatest landmarks is the Madam CJ Walker theater in Indianapolis, where her business headquarters was. Madame Walker was president and sole owner, provided employment for some three thousand persons. the mansion bulit in NewYork worth then $90,000 Indiana limestone townhouse at 108-110 West 136th Street

Her great-great-granddaughter pushed for the landmark in Indianapolis,the revonation of the old building was 2.3 million. The block-square building houses a Greek-style theater, lunchroom, drugstore, beauty parlor, and private offices

 

[panafrica]

Okay I misread that (which would explain why I never heard that), thanks for the correction!