S arah B reedlove a.k.a. Madam C.J. Walker

1. Sarah Breedlovea.k.a. Madam C.J. Walker December 23, 1867-May 25, 1919 Presented byZabia L. Burton, 5thGrade Presented to Miss Love "I got my start by giving myself a start." - Madam C.J. Walker

2. From Washerwoman to Scientist/Inventor • Overview: Sarah Breedlove, a.k.a. Madam C.J. Walker built a successful cosmetics company and became one of the most influential African-American women of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. Family Background • Born: Sarah Breedlove • Changed Name: Madam C.J. Walker • DOB: December 23, 1867 • POB: Delta, Louisiana • DOD: May 25, 1919 • POD: New York, New York

4. The Early Years Parents • Former-slaves Owen and Minerva Breedlove • Died when she was 7 years old

5. The Early Years • Siblings: Louvenia [sister], Alexander, James, Solomon, Owen, Jr. [brothers] • MarriedMoses McWilliams at age 14 • Gave birthto a daughter, Lelia (later known as A’Lelia Walker)---1885

6. Madam C.J. Walker’s Accomplishments “I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground”.

7. Inspired by Need • During the 1880s, Sarah began to suffer from a scalp disease that made her lose some of her hair. • Because she was embarrassed by the way she looked, she experimented with some homemade remedies made by another black woman, Annie Malone. • In 1905, Sarah became a sales agent for Ms. Malone and moved to Denver where she married Charles Joseph Walker.

8. Wonderful Hair Grower • Sarah changed her name to Madam C.J. Walker (due to her husband’s name), and started her own business selling her hair product called Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower. • WHG was a scalp conditioning and healing formula. • Her product led to the opening of a college in Pittsburgh to train her “hair culturists.”

9. This is where it all began . . . The Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

10. Other Famous Products • Glossine Pressing Oil • Walker’s hair care products and grooming system were designed specifically to meet the needs of African-American women.

11. Vegetable Shampoo

12. Improved metal comb for straightening curly hair

13. Before and After Before using hair care products After using hair care products

14. The Walker System • The Walker System had a straightening effect that was very appealing for many black and some white women, and was much more effective and healthy than the popular method of using a hot iron.

15. Other Accomplishments • Founded the “The Walker College of Hair Culture” and “Walker Manufacturing Company” • Employed 3,000 people and 20,000 agents • Became the wealthiest black woman in history at the time of her death (First black female millionaire) Madam Walker and some of her agents

16. Her Awards • Inducted into the National Business Hall of Fame at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago • Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame • Honored with a U. S. postage stamp as part of the Black Heritage Series in 1998

17. Her Influence • Madam C.J. Walker was an inspiration to many black women. She helped other black women start their own businesses after she gained major success by becoming the first African-American millionaire.

18. Words from the Woman Herself • “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” • “I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.”