As a child, my parents taught my siblings and me about Black history by any means necessary–from regular Eyes on The Prize viewings and museum visits to Black history coloring books.
I annoyed more than a few teachers because I was constantly correcting them about my favorite Black historical figures.
One of my favorites was Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self made millionaire in the United States.
Madam Walker made her millions through her Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, in which she developed and marketed cosmetics and hair products for black women.
Her accomplishments are especially significant because she was born to parents who were formerly enslaved only two years after slavery ended.
In addition to her business acumen, Madam Walker became widely known for her activism and philanthropy.
She funded scholarships, planned and organized protests, and spoke out against racial injustice.
This summer, my show will focus on entrepreneurs and business owners who connect their work and/or life to social justice, and I can think of no one more perfect to start with than Madam Walker.
In this episode, I speak with Mrs. A’Lelia Bundles, Madam Walker’s great-great granddaughter, about her life, legacy and commitment to social justice advocacy.
I am SO EXCITED to share this conversation with you. Mrs. Bundles’ background as a journalist and historian make her an incredible storyteller.
I learned so many new things during our conversation that I can use to propel my business forward.
We also talked about Netflix’s Self Made, which I was not a huge fan of, as my Twitter thread explains.
So what did ya'll thing of #SelfMade: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker on Netflix? I have lots of thoughts – a thread:
— SHONTAVIA Johnson 💪🏾 (@ShontaviaJEsq) March 23, 2020
This was something we have in common–I felt it in my spirit when Mrs. Bundles said she expected Hidden Figures but got Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Yep–that’s how I felt about it too.
ps://twiter.com/ShontaviaJEsq/status/1242138607302959104?s=20The real story of Madam C.J. Walker’s life was good enough on it’s own, and I remain inspired by her commitment to improving other people’s lives, not just her own.
https://twitter.com/ShontaviaJEsq/status/1242138607302959104?s=20
If you, like me and many other entrepreneurs, are wondering how to use your business, brand and voice during this current period of social unrest, there is much you can learn from this interview and Madam C.J. Walker’s life.
Check out the full episode below via video or audio podcast.
Show Summary
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03:27 How Madam C.J. Walker connected her business success to social justice
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05:10 How Madam Walker’s close ties to American slavery, and other black entrepreneurs, shaped her views
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06:19 How Madam Walker helped create financial independence for her employees
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08:38 Current black entrepreneurs taking a public stand in favor of social justice
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09:56 How Madam Walker’s time in St. Louis shaped her social views
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14:19 How Madam Walker helped her sales agents build generational wealth
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16:36 How black people can research early family history
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20:01 Why A’Lelia Walker, Madam Walker’s daughter, deserves her own book
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22:45 Why A’Lelia Bundles hoped for “Hidden Figures” from Netflix but got “Real Housewives of Atlanta” with Self Made
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31:19 Why A’Lelia Bundles thinks it is so important for black stories to be told
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31:59 Why intellectual property ownership is so important
Show Notes
Websites of A’Lelia Bundles: https://aleliabundles.com/ and http://madamcjwalker.com/
Netflix’s ‘Self Made’ suffers from self-inflicted wounds: https://theundefeated.com/features/netflixs-self-made-suffers-from-self-inflicted-wounds/
On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker (Lisa Drew Books (Paperback)): https://amzn.to/2V28hab
All about Madam C. J. Walker: https://amzn.to/37KO8dO
Questions and Action: How can you connect your own successes to supporting social justice?
After you’ve had a chance to watch/listen to this episode of The Shontavia Show, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section.
Please answer the questions relevant to your current situation:
1. What social cause can you support right now? If you have recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments section too!
2. What can you do within your existing employer or business to create a positive impact? If you are starting a new business, what can you add into your existing plan that will make a positive impact?
3. What stories, businesses and people can you amplify to show solidarity with their message?
Please give as much information as you can in response to these questions. I’m happy to share more tools and resources for you, if needed.
Thank you so much for reading, watching and commenting.
I am grateful that you are using my content to grow your brand and build your business.
Please drop a comment for more info or just to show some love!
