“(1867-1919) Entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first black self-made millionaire. Born Sarah Breedlove, her parents died when she was only seven, and she lost her first husband before she was 20. Left to support herself and her young daughter, she worked as a washerwoman and a cook, and she began developing a mixture for hair repair. She married C.J. Walker and began to market the product under her new name. With her success and money came prominence in the black community. Madam Walker believed in giving back to her community. She employed many blacks, especially women, and donated much time and money to black causes and institutions. Madam Walker was proof that success could be achieved by anyone who was willing to work hard for it.”
