Vicksburg, Mississippi (June 6, 1885- August 17, 1931) age 46 yrs

A’Lelia Walker, born Lelia McWilliams was a businesswoman, arts patron and Harlem Renaissance-era legend. She was the only surviving child of Madam C.J. Walker, known as America’s first self-made female millionaire. Lanston Hughes gave her the title the ‘Joy Goddess of Harlem’ and she certainly earned it. A’Lelia threw lavish fetes for the culture luminaries of her time, parties that were attended by Zora Neal Hurston, W.E.B. Dubois, as well as European royalty. She hosted the Dark Tower, which was a formative literary salon for Harlem’s leading artists. She also helped support some creators’ pursuit. A’Lelia’s only child was Fairy Mae Bryant whom she adopted in 1912. Fairy Mae’s name was later changed to Mae Walker Robinson.