Junior League of Indianapolis Embodies Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis icon Madam C.J. Walker lived more than a century ago, when women didn’t have the opportunities they do today. Despite the obstacles she faced, Madam Walker created an innovative beauty product empire, employed thousands of women across the country, became a self-made millionaire and set the standard for philanthropy and activism in the African-American community.
Her remarkable accomplishments are celebrated in “You Are There 1915: Madam C.J. Walker, Empowering Women,” which is now open at the Indiana Historical Society. Madam Walker’s contributions and legacy come alive through images, multimedia pieces and activities. The exhibit runs through Jan. 23, 2021 and is made possible with program support from the Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI).
The JLI was established in 1922, just three years after the death of Madam Walker. As an African-American woman, I’m proud to be president of an organization carrying on the same values of Madam Walker by promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership.
Madam Walker inspired a positive shift in the lives of many people. In addition to her manufacturing company in Indianapolis, she employed several thousand women across the country to sell her products, which provided opportunities to women that were not previously available.
JLI has made its mark on Indianapolis by investing in women, just as Madam Walker did. We are the premier training organization for volunteers and civic leaders, and we embolden our members to be strategic, effective and thoughtful. Like-minded women of diverse ages, backgrounds and professions come together to make a positive impact through JLI.
Madam Walker was very generous with her time and money, and she provided substantial support to many organizations in the African-American community. She also encouraged the women who worked for her to support causes they believed in and to give back to their communities.
Similarly, JLI strives to be a catalyst for lasting change in the lives of children and their families in our community. Since 2000, we have given nearly $4.4 million in grants to organizations that impact women and children. We give our time as well, contributing thousands of hours of community service each year.
Growing up in North Carolina, I had certainly heard of Madam Walker and knew she was an influential and important African-American businesswoman. But I didn’t fully understand the depth and magnitude of her success until I visited “You Are There 1915: Madam C.J. Walker, Empowering Women.” So much of her legacy is preserved and available for us to see; it’s impossible not to feel inspired.
As Madam C.J. Walker said, “I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity.” Madam Walker took that duty to heart and lived it out every day of her life. We, at the Junior League of Indianapolis, are trying to do the same.