Race Wonder Woman: Madam C. J. Walker and the Uplift of the Race, 1867-1919

This thesis considers the influence black beauty industry mogul, Madam C. J. Walker, held in both the business and political worlds from the turn of the century until her death in 1919. Included within are explorations of the construction of Walker’s unique political ideology, her business model and practices, and her commitment to philanthropic engagement. Walker’s contributions to concepts of identity for black women in this period and her role in the renegotiation of black beauty ideals are also considered, revealing Walker as one of the most powerful race leaders of her generation and worthy of careful study.