Black Women That Pave The Path And Shape Our Future

Black women in America are still underrepresented in the world of business. While we still have a long way to go, it’s imperative to recognize how far we have come. A failure to appreciate the progress black women have made is disrespectful to the women that got us here. To reach an equal opportunity for all, we must tell stories of the businesswomen that paved the way for future generations.   

1. Clara Brown   

Once her 3rd owner freed Clara Brown , she set out West. Brown is reported to be the first black woman to cross the plains.   

Once she reached Colorado, Brown opened up a laundry business in Central City. Her profits from the laundry business granted her the freedom to search for her four children. She was unsuccessful but, in the process, brought 16 freedmen and women back to Colorado.   

2. Madam C.J. Walker   

Madam Walker’s story was recently brought to life in the 2020 TV series, Self-Made. Her line of hair care products catering to African American women made Walker the first female self-made millionaire.   

3. Maggie Lean Walker   

A career as a teacher leads Maggie Lean Walker to philanthropy. Walker became the Grand Secretary of the Order of St. Luke, a charitable organization dedicated to providing opportunities for African Americans.   

When Walker took over the organization in 1901, the charity was on the verge of closing. Not only did she save the Order of St. Luke's, but she also helped found St. Luke Herald , opened the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, and a department store called the St. Luke Emporium.   

4. Annie Turnbo Malone   

Millionaire hair product mogul, Annie Turnbo Malone gave most of her money to various charities that helped other African Americans, such as the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home.   

Malone founded a cosmetology school in 1918. Poro School grew to 32 branches around the country.   

Until recently, Malone’s story has overshadowed her former employee, Madam C.J. Walker. Both women are now getting the recognition they deserve.   

5. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley   

The unbelievable story of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley starts as a talented seamstress who bought her freedom. She later drew the attention of Mary Todd Lincoln and served as her dressmaker and close confidante.   

Keckley would later publish a book telling her fantastic story working in the White House and befriending the 1st lady.   

6. Joan Johnson   

In 1954, Joan Johnson took a $250 investment and turned it into a multi-million-dollar hair product company. Johnson Products Company would become the first black-owned business publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.   

These women grew to unthinkable levels of business despite their unjust situations. Their incredible accomplishments are not told enough. Recognizing their stories is fundamental to understanding how far Black businesswomen have come and the work that still needs to be done.   

The fight for social justice can seem like an unwinnable battle. Considering the conditions that these six women came from, progress has been made. All of these women used their success to lay the foundation for future generations.