Madam CJ Walker

  1. "What was Walker’s birth name? Why did she decide to change it when she went into business?" – "Her birth name was Sarah Breedlove, and she changed it to Madam C.J. Walker after her business became successful."

  2. "What background does Walker share with other artists like W.C. Handy? How might this have impacted what she would later go on to accomplish?" – "She was born to formerly enslaved parents and came from a difficult early life, which likely motivated her to succeed and create opportunities for others."

  3. "How old was Walker when she first got married, and how old was she when she had her first child?" – "She got married at 14 and had her first child three years later."

  4. "What is significant about Walker’s educational background? How may this be similar to or different from other Harlem Renaissance artists we’ve studied so far?" – "She had little formal education and few money-making skills early on, unlike some other figures who had advanced education."

  5. "What is significant about when Walker first started breaking into the business world? What did she do prior to starting her business?" – "She began her business later in life after working as a washerwoman until age 38."

  6. "What was Walker’s first major product, and why did she create it in the first place?" – "She created a shampoo to treat her scalp disease and hair loss."

  7. "What was significant about who Walker marketed her products toward? From a business perspective, why was this an important moment in American culture?" – "She marketed her products to Black women, which was significant because companies at the time did not typically target or represent them in advertising."

  8. "Why would we consider Walker to be a philanthropist? What causes would she later donate toward in order to boost their effectiveness?" – "She donated to YMCA projects, homes for the elderly, scholarships for Black students, and anti-lynching efforts including support for the NAACP."

  9. "What was the name of the mansion Walker would eventually construct in her later years? What other role did this mansion play in terms of the Harlem Renaissance and its ideas?" – "Villa Lewaro, which served as a social and political hub."

  10. "How long was Walker actually in business? Why is this significant when it comes to her becoming the first African American millionaire in the United States?" – "She started her business later in life after age 38 and still became the first African American self-made female millionaire, showing how quickly she achieved success."

  11. "How did Walker’s work in the beauty industry go on to influence healthcare in general in the United States?" – "Her products and advancements improved health and care for Black hair and contributed to better healthcare practices, especially for African Americans."

  12. "What is significant about how Walker marketed her products?" – "She used herself as the brand, presented her products as part of a scientific system, and created professional, aspirational advertising that built trust and credibility."