Madam C.J. Walker: From Cotton Fields to Empire (Part 1)

Indianapolis, Indiana. How do you measure success? For some of us, it's about money or material possessions that reflect our social status. For others, it's more about looking back on where you started and how far you've come. You may have not heard the name Sarah Breedlove, but odds are you've heard of Madam C.J. Walker. Sarah Breedlove was her given name for the purposes of this episode until we reach the point where Madam Walker gets her business going. We will refer to her as Sarah. TIMELINE 1709: Today, it has a population of roughly 250 residents. 1867: near Delta, Louisiana. 1908: she opened a branch office and beauty school called Alila College in Pittsburgh. 1910: Madam Walker decided to consolidate the Denver and Pittsburgh September 1908, Philadelphia train station. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Indianapolis is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 27 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 180 (Hagerstown, Indiana) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy