StreetWise vendor A. Allen finds a connection in the work of Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker was the first Black woman millionaire, an accomplished entrepreneur. She built a business empire with two dollars and a dream.

The self-made millionaire used her fortune to fund scholarships for women at Tuskegee Institute and donated some of her wealth to the NAACP and the Black YMCA. She was not only successful, but she reached out to help others become successful.

Her sales team consisted of women entrepreneurs who sold her hair product door to door or through other community organizations such as churches and beauty shops in which she stepped up and trained women how to use the products.

I’m really proud of her for stepping out and stepping up as a Black entrepreneur to help so many women back in the day. She left a legacy that continues to this day in the hairstyles women wear today, the NAACP and the YMCA.

I am glad the YWCA continues to be active in helping the poor and marginalized. Since YWCA Metropolitan Chicago joined with StreetWise, her legacy of people helping themselves through entrepreneurship is demonstrated with vendors selling the StreetWise magazine.

Wait, hold ’em up. Did I mention that she started with two dollars and a dream?

Well, the way I see it, you too can be a Madam C.J. Walker. All you need is two dollars and a dream.

Two dollars for the magazine and a dream that you are helping to make a better world by supporting self-employed entrepreneurs who are trying to earn an honest living. “StreetWise is powered by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago." Madame Walker's spirit still speaks to us through StreetWise.

StreetWise Vendor A. Allen.