The City of Lawrence commemorated the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker on the occasion of her 157th birthday, recognizing her as a pillar of the community and an emblem of the entrepreneurial spirit. Mayor Deb Whitfield highlighted the importance of diversity within Lawrence and lauded Madam C.J. Walker for paving the way to a community brimming with opportunities for all. “Today, Madam C.J. Walker would have celebrated her 157th birthday. The people of the City of Lawrence know our community’s strength lies in our diversity,” stated Mayor Whitfield. “It’s a place where the legacy of Madam CJ Walker shines brightly, as we work to ensure ours is a community of opportunity for all – never forgetting that each of us stands on the shoulders of those who came before,” according to City of Lawrence.
Madam C.J. Walker, who was born on December 23, 1867, rose to become a self-made millionaire and is often celebrated as the first African American woman to achieve such financial independence through her own entrepreneurial endeavors. In the spirit of her legacy, the city aims to fully embrace the ethos she embodied – to invariably seek to uplift others through economic empowerment and social activism. Echoed in her own words, Walker’s philosophy was one rooted deeply in the upliftment of humanity, “I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others,” she had said in a statement obtained by City of Lawrence.
The city’s recognition of Madam C.J. Walker’s contributions extends beyond mere remembrance, as it continues to influence the policies and initiatives set forth in the present day. Her entrepreneurial spirit and profound commitment to social uplift are felt throughout the fabric of the community, primarily in business development programs and equality measures supporting the city’s diverse population…