Origins & Early Life

Madam C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919), Mrs. Charles Joseph Walker upon her third marriage, was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Walker is recorded as the first woman to become a self-made millionaire in America in the Guinness Book of World Records. Multiple sources mention that although other women (like Mary Ellen Pleasant) might have been the first, their wealth is not so well-documented. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for Black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Walker became known also for her philanthropy and activism. Walker made financial donations to numerous organizations such as the NAACP and became a patron of the arts. Villa Lewaro, Walker's lavish estate in Irvington, New York served as a social gathering place for the African-American community. At the time of her death, Walker was considered the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and wealthiest self-made Black woman in America. Madam C. J.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Bassermann — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Esteemed German stage and screen actor, celebrated for his dramatic versatility.
• Arturo Toscanini — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Intense Italian conductor, master of orchestral detail, and pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
• Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim — Contemporary (Born in 1867) (1867): Finnish military leader and statesman who guided Finland through tumultuous decades.
• Andrew Carnegie — Contemporary (Died in 1919) (1919): Scottish-American industrialist who pioneered the American steel industry and became a major philanthropist.
• Beate Uhse-Rotermund — Contemporary (Born in 1919) (1919): Pioneering German pilot and influential founder of the modern sex shop industry.
• Berniece Baker Miracle — Contemporary (Born in 1919) (1919): American writer celebrated for her memoir on Marilyn Monroe.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Shared historical date (12-23 · Died) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Akihito — Shared historical date (12-23 · Born) (1933): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (986): Influential Persian astronomer known for expanding Ptolemaic models and stellar catalogs.
• Bede — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (735): Pioneering scholar and author, credited as the Father of English History.
• 1867 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1867
• December 23 (12-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 23
• 1919 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1919
• May 25 (05-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 25