Madam C. J. Walker: Entrepreneur and Millionaire »

From the late 19th century into the 21st century, technological and cultural advancements transformed the world into a new and modern place. These advancements changed the way people lived, worked, and thought about themselves and the world. The combination of all these changes continues to produce what we know as the modern world.

Madam C. J. Walker dreamed of a place where African-Americans were given equal rights and the chance for a better life. Determined to succeed, she worked her way up from washing clothes to selling her own line of beauty products. Her hair-care products, made especially for black women, helped her become America's first black female millionaire. A philanthropist and an equal rights advocate, her success and support gave hope to others.

Children's Literature

In a time when business opportunities were so limited for women and for African Americans, it is remarkable that Sarah Breedlove, the daughter of poor Louisiana sharecroppers, became Madam C. J. Walker, the first black woman millionaire. From the Black Americans of Achievement series, this book traces Sarah's life from her poor beginnings—her work as a laundress and a door-to-door saleswoman of hair products for African American women—to her extraordinary success as the self-made creator and marketer of her own popular line of beauty products. An informative and inspirational read about a successful woman who used her wealth and influence to advance the cause of equal rights. The book includes historical photographs, frequent sidebars with additional information, parallel timelines of Walker's life and world events, suggestions for further reading, a list of historical sites to visit and a glossary. An excellent addition to middle and high school libraries.

Self-Made Woman     9
Bleak Beginnings     15
Vicksburg Washerwoman     23
New Start in St. Louis     29
A New Frontier     37
Growing a Business     45
The Walker Manufacturing Company     53
Woman of Influence     75
The New York Years     85
Life and Times     96
Life at a Glance     102
Additional Resources     103
Glossary     105
Source Notes     106
Select Bibliography     108
Index     109
Image Credits     112