Living History: The Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker

September 2, 2016 by Kirsten Hower

Villa Lewaro in Irvington, New York

photo by: Historic New England/David Bohl

Villa Lewaro, Madam C.J. Walker's estate.

In celebration of the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Washington Post is highlighting people and events featured in the new museum. In their newest piece, the Post talked to Walker's great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, about growing up with Walker's legacy.

“It’s admirable and amazing that she became a millionaire just one generation out of slavery and at a time when Jim Crow laws ruled the land,” Bundles says. “But what is more important for me is that she used her wealth and her influence to empower and enrich others by employing thousands of women who otherwise would have been sharecroppers, maids, cooks and laundresses so they could provide opportunities for their children, be leaders in their communities and support their churches and community organizations.”

Read more in Black wealth, racism and the legacy of the legendary Madam C.J. Walker and make sure to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture after it opens on September 24th.

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