Analyzing a Photograph of Madam C. J. Walker’s Home
Madam C. J. Walker built her home, Villa Lewaro, in 1918 at Irvington-on-Hudson, north of New York City. Answer the questions below and think about what this photograph of Walker’s home can tell you about her life.
Who was Madam C. J. Walker, the woman who built this home? She was born Sarah Breedlove in 1867. Her parents were enslaved in Louisiana – before the 13th Amendment of 1865 freed all enslaved persons. Madam C. J Walker founded the C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, based in Indianapolis, that employed thousands of African-American women across the country as independent agents who sold hair and beauty treatments for the African-American consumer. She became America’s first female self-made millionaire.
Throughout her life, Walker worked for equality for African-Americans. She was also a philanthropist (someone who gives money to help people who are sick or poor, or donates to good causes) who worked for equality for African-Americans. She supported Black colleges and universities, among other charities to assist African-Americans.
