Episode Details

In the early years of the twentieth century, Madam C.J. Walker built an international, Black hair care empire from the ground floor up, transforming herself from a laundry work making $1.50 a day to the woman Guinness World Records identifies as the “first self-made millionairess.” This week, we learn all about her extraordinary life in an interview with her biographer—and great, great granddaughter—A’Lelia Bundles. 

Recommended Resources:

• On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A’Lelia Bundles 
• Madam C.J. Walker’s website 
• A’Lelia Bundles website

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