Delta, Louisiana (December 23, 1867 -May 25, 1919) age 51 yrs

Born Sarah Breedlove, Madam C. J. Walker became a beauty products pioneer and one of the nation’s first female millionaires. In the early 1900s, she used her husband’s name, Charles Joseph Walker. She developed a very successful business manufacturing hair goods and preparations. Her company eventually became one of the country’s largest businesses owned by an African American. Walker also became one of the era’s leading African American philanthropists. She was a political activist who strongly supported education and charitable institutions. She advocated for political rights and economic opportunities for African Americans and women.