Stylebook: Talk to focus on Madam Walker
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A'Lelia Bundles, great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, will speak at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. -
Madam C.J. Walker was one of the beauty world's first black women millionaires.
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Before Estee Lauder and Coco Chanel revamped the way people thought about cold cream, eau de parfum and women in business, Madam C.J. Walker -- a daughter of former slaves -- went from the cotton fields of Mississippi to one of the beauty world's first black women millionaires and entrepreneurs, thanks to products such as Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower.
"She really was one of the key pioneers of what is now the modern hair care and cosmetic industries," said her great-great-granddaughter A'Lelia Bundles, a journalist and public speaker who has authored books about Madam Walker and maintains the family archives.
Madam Walker's contributions to black and women's history and hair maintenance will be the focus of "Redefining Business and Beauty: Lessons Learned from the Life and Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker" from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Downtown.
Co-hosted by Women for a Healthy Environment, panel discussions will examine what consumers should know about the safety of chemicals in everyday personal care products. Ms. Bundles will sign copies of her books and share highlights of Madam Walker's career and philanthropic work, while Celeta Hickman and LaKeisha Wolf of Ujamaa Collective will comment on some of the struggles and accomplishments of African-American women in business.
The event also will touch on Madam Walker's connection to Pittsburgh. In 1908, she set up her company's headquarters in the city and opened a beauty school on Wiley Avenue in the Hill District. She left about a year-and-a-half later to settle in Indianapolis, where there were more black newspapers for marketing her products and more train traffic, Ms. Bundles said.
Although the height of Madam Walker's career was at the turn of the 20th century, event organizers feel her story still has relevance today.
"There are so many women and people of color who are entrepreneurs, and with the economy as it is now, lots of people who had worked in corporate America are interested in becoming entrepreneurs," Ms. Bundles said. "Madam C.J. Walker still inspires people."
"Fit for the Cure" at The Mall at Robinson: Complimentary bra fittings by Wacoal specialists will be offered 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in the intimates department at Macy's. Wacoal will give $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support breast cancer research and programs for each woman who takes part, plus an additional $2 for every purchase of a Wacoal or b.tempt'd bra or shapewear piece. Those who spend $80 or more on Wacoal or b.tempt'd merchandise will receive a complimentary "Into the Wild" animal print tote bag. Giveaways and a palm reader also will be on hand. Find out more at 412-787-9777, ext. 1536.
First Published October 11, 2011 12:00 am
