Wonder Hair Grower and Scalp Ointment tins
These simple tins embody an important story about the first female self-made millionaire in America and her philanthropy in this community.
Sarah Breedlove Walker, better known as Madam C. J. Walker, developed her own formula for hair growth, combs, and ointments designed for African American women’s hair. Starting with door-to-door sales of these products, she built a business empire. Between her company’s incorporation in 1911 and her death in 1919, her holdings grew to include a factory, beauty schools, and thousands of sales agents. Not only did the business bring her personal success, but it also opened up new job opportunities for African American women.
Walker was an outspoken opponent of discrimination and lynchings and spent considerable time traveling, speaking, and supporting African American causes. Among the institutions benefiting from her wealth locally were the Flanner House, Alpha Home, the Senate Avenue YMCA, and Bethel AME Church, as well as the Tuskegee Institute, Mary McLeod Bethune’s school, and the NAACP nationally.
