Madame C. J. Walker

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the fact that Madame Walker, a millionaire who laid the foundation of America's first black plutocratic dynasty, is certainly incredible because she came from poverty, was orphaned at the age of six, and had no formal education. Walker's story is a fairy-tale that inspired an entire generation of black Americans to think beyond their limitations and to have faith in the future. The author points out that Walker created a market niche for black hair-straightening products by creating the amazing "Wonderful Hair Grower" and 23 other products, with annual gross earnings as high as $276,000 in 1917, employing around 3,000 employees, most of whom were females. The paper relates that a documentary film titled, "Two Dollars and a Dream," by Stanley Nelson, chronicles the life and struggles of Walker, the grande dame of personal hair care service and a source of inspiration for millions of women around the world.

From the Paper:

"Walker had developed a strict code of conduct for women which was meant to empower females especially blacks. There was a respectable uniform that they were made to wear, consisting of white blouses and long black skirts. These uniforms helped in identification of Walker employees, these salespersons thus became a symbol of entrepreneurship and success for others in the downtrodden black areas. These uniforms also helped lure other females to the workforce and this helped in revolutionizing the way black women saw themselves and their future."

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