Brittany Barz

In the 1910s, Madam C.J. Walker — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the first self-made female millionaires in America — was photographed driving her Ford Model T.

Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents, Walker rose from poverty through determination, business vision, and relentless work. After struggling with hair loss herself, she developed specialized hair care products for Black women and built what became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses of the early 20th century.

But Walker’s success was never just personal.

She created a nationwide network of sales agents — many of them Black women who had few economic opportunities at the time — providing them with training, income, and independence. Through her company, thousands of women gained financial stability and a sense of empowerment during an era when both race and gender limited opportunity.

This photograph captures more than a moment on the road.
Owning and driving a car in the 1910s symbolized mobility, wealth, and modernity — things rarely accessible to Black Americans, especially Black women. Walker’s presence behind the wheel was therefore not just practical, but symbolic of a new era of Black enterprise and self-determination.

Beyond business, Walker was also a major supporter of social causes. She donated to schools, civil rights organizations, and anti-lynching campaigns, using her fortune to support broader struggles for justice and equality.

Today, Madam C.J. Walker is remembered not only as a pioneer of Black entrepreneurship, but as a woman who turned success into opportunity for others — leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.