Lasting Legacy of Madam C. J. Walker: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Madam C. J. Walker across different fields.

Madam C. J. Walker was an influential American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. Notably, she is widely recognized as the first self-made female millionaire in America, although some debate exists due to documentation. Despite this, her impact on business, philanthropy, and activism is undeniable, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in American history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1912: Address to the National Negro Business League

In 1912, Madam C. J. Walker addressed an annual gathering of the National Negro Business League, sharing her journey from the cotton fields to becoming a business owner in the hair care industry.

1917: Walker's Estimated Net Worth

By 1917, Madam C. J. Walker was considered worth between a half million and a million dollars and had a $250,000 mansion completed at the banks of the Hudson at Irvington.

1917: Commissioning of Villa Lewaro

In 1917, Madam C. J. Walker commissioned Vertner Tandy to design her house, Villa Lewaro, in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, intending it to be a gathering place for community leaders.

May 25, 1919: Madam C. J. Walker's Death

On May 25, 1919, Madam C. J. Walker, an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist, passed away. She is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first self-made female millionaire in America.

1919: Pledge to the NAACP Anti-Lynching Fund

Before her death in 1919, Madam C. J. Walker pledged $5,000 to the NAACP's anti-lynching fund, which was the largest individual gift the NAACP had ever received at the time.

December 1927: Opening of the Madame Walker Theatre Center

In December 1927, the Walker Manufacturing Company headquarters building, renamed the Madame Walker Theatre Center, opened in Indianapolis, featuring various facilities for the community.

1932: Purchase of Villa Lewaro by Companions of the Forest in America

Following A'Lelia Walker's death in 1932, the fraternal organization Companions of the Forest in America purchased Villa Lewaro.

1979: Villa Lewaro Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

In 1979, Villa Lewaro was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1980: Listing of the Madame Walker Theatre Center on the National Register of Historic Places

In 1980, the Madame Walker Theatre Center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1987: Madam Walker featured in documentary

In 1987, Madam C. J. Walker's life was featured in Stanley Nelson's documentary, "Two Dollars and a Dream". Nelson, grandson of Walker's attorney, had access to original business records and interviewed former Walker Company employees.

Loading Video...

1993: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1993, Madam C. J. Walker was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, recognizing her achievements and contributions.

1998: Madam Walker Commemorative Stamp

In 1998, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Madam Walker commemorative stamp as part of its Black Heritage Series, honoring her legacy.

2006: Premiere of The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove

In 2006, Regina Taylor's play The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove, which recounts the history of Madam C. J. Walker's life, premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

2015: Advocacy of Black Women's Economic Independence

As an advocate of black women's economic independence, Walker opened training programs in the "Walker System" for her national network of licensed sales agents who earned healthy commissions. This information was published by Michaels, PhD in 2015.

March 4, 2016: Launch of "Madam C. J. Walker Beauty Culture" product line

On March 4, 2016, Sundial Brands, in collaboration with Sephora, launched the "Madam C. J. Walker Beauty Culture" line, featuring four collections focused on natural ingredients for different hair types.

2020: Octavia Spencer to portray Walker in TV series

In 2020, Octavia Spencer committed to portraying Madam C. J. Walker in a TV series based on the biography "On Her Own Ground" written by Walker's great-great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles. The series, titled "Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker", received mixed reviews due to storyline inaccuracies.

Loading Video...

January 31, 2022: Launch of "MADAM by Madam C. J. Walker" product line

On January 31, 2022, Sundial Brands, a division of Unilever, launched a collection of eleven new products under the brand name "MADAM by Madam C. J. Walker", sold exclusively at Walmart.

2022: Madam C.J. Walker Barbie doll issued

In 2022, Mattel released a Madam C.J. Walker Barbie doll as part of their Inspiring Women doll collection, celebrating her achievements and inspiring future generations.

Barbie Inspiring Women Doll, Madam C.J. Walker Wearing Puff Sleeve Blouse, Full-Length Skirt & Accessories, Collectible with Doll Stand & Certificate of Authenticity

Check it on Amazon

2023: Value of Pledge to NAACP

In 1919, Madam C. J. Walker pledged $5,000 to the NAACP's anti-lynching fund, which was the largest individual gift the NAACP had ever received at the time, this is the equivalent of about $88,000 in 2023.