Madame Walker’s Ride

Richard Yarde

Portrait

22×30 in

Watercolor

Madam C. J. Walker was an American entrepeneur, philanthropist, and social activist. The Guiness Book of World Records lists her as the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. Walker made her fortune by developing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women. She became an outspoken advocate for social justice causes and became a patron of the arts. Her lavish estate in Irvington, New York became a meeting ground for the African American community and her circle of friends included Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Mary McLeod Bethune.

She used her wealth to fund causes for African Americans such as scholarships to the Tuskegee Institute, to establish branches of the YMCA in Indianapolis’ black community, and geve historically large donations to the NAACP. She was also a visible advocate, delivering lectures on political, economic, and social issues.