Madam C. J. Walker

1867–1919 (age 52)

Entrepreneur

Biography

Madam C. J. Walker rose from humble beginnings to build a national hair-care company for Black women, employing thousands and empowering customers with beauty and self-confidence while promoting entrepreneurship.

She invested in education, philanthropy, and civil rights, and Woodlawn Cemetery holds her memory alongside the many communities she uplifted.