Madam C. J. Walker (b. Sarah Breedlove, 1867; l. Indianapolis, 1910-1916; d. 1919) was a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. At the time of her death, she was considered the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and self-made woman in America. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for Black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, headquartered in Indianapolis from 1910-1981. She empowered Black women as leaders through her unique business model, made financial donations to numerous civic organizations and became a patron of the arts, and planned (but never saw) the Walker Building, which provided professional offices, social and entertainment spaces, and of course a beauty salon, all devoted to serving the local Black community.

Tasha Beckwith’s mural highlights the inspiration for Madam’s products, and carries her legacy forward to the entrepreneurs of the future. The African man was seen by Madam in a dream, and the female figures are those she inspired, both immediately during her lifetime and later, via her legacy.

This mural was installed with the support and participation of:

The City of Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission
Indy Arts Council
Madam Walker Legacy Center
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc.
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Glick Philanthropies
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
Indiana Destination Development Corporation
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate
Downtown Indy, Inc.
Visit Indy
Indy Parks
And public donations from many individuals