Courage, confidence and compassion are key to successful living, as witnessed by Madam C.J. Walker, according to her great-great granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles. Speaking at NSV’s third annual National Press Club luncheon event on May 27, A’Lelia educated and delighted the crowd of 150 supporters, clients, and staff with her stories of Madam Walker, the first African-American self-made millionaire in the post-slavery era.

 

 

Introduced by her childhood friend and honorary NSV Board member Marie Johns, A’Lelia noted that she had visited N Street Village in February to take a tour and to hear a client’s story. She said that she was humbled by meeting Betty Brantley, who spoke of her personal experience. When A’Lelia toured N Street Village, she was amazed that her photo was on the wall of our multi-purpose room as part of our Black History month display. A’Lelia was included because she wrote an extraordinary book on Madam Walker, entitled “On Her Own Ground,” and has had a 30-year career as an Emmy-winning producer and executive with ABC News and NBC News.

 

Madam Walker, who developed a hair care line for African-American women and a nationwide sales network to support it, was one of America’s greatest entrepreneurs. Against extreme odds, Madam Walker overcame numerous obstacles, including abuse, lack of education and racial and sexual discrimination, A’Lelia said. Madame Walker’s life provides an example of determination and hope for us all, but especially for NSV residents and clients, according to her great-granddaughter.

 

Cheryl Barnes, a NSV resident, stood before the luncheon crowd to thank A’Lelia for speaking at the event about her great-grandmother. As someone who has overcome tremendous challenges herself, Cheryl said that Madam Walker was an inspiration to all the women of N Street Village.

 

The event was sponsored by ABC/Disney, Forest City, M&T Bank, Washington Area’s Women Foundation, and Washington Gas, to whom we are grateful.