Self Made

I found this to be a literary masterpiece as well as a riveting depiction of what life was like for almost all middle-aged black women in such a dark moment within the body politic of America. This book spoke to the true character of Madam Walker and her life’s work which was in many ways selfless, it appears that she lived her life in an attempt at always trying to make life better for those around her.The author A’Lelia Bundles has taken great care and consideration in translating in vibrant detail, the events of Madam Walker’s trials and triumphs and her single-minded drive to accomplish what could have been considered as unthinkable at the turn of the century. Anyone who enjoys reading biography will also appreciate the extensive research that has been ascribed to this work, the noticeable attention to detail that has been applied to support, substantiate and sustain the historical record of events is second to none.

Our Bookclub, Black Girls Think & Grow Rich, wanted to separate fact from fiction regarding the movie SELF MADE.

The mini series was inspired by the original book On Her Own Ground penned by Author, Ms. A’Lelia Bundles . ALelia (Madam C.J. Walkers Great-Great Grand-Daughter) shares the FACTS about Madam and answers so many questions that we have always had about Madam in this book.

This is a well written book. I prefer audio books, but I bought the paperback as well because it is FULL of historical facts and GREAT photos and deserves a special space on my bookshelf. Its a book I want my Grandchildren to read when theyre old enough. As an African American woman in the natural hair business, reading THIS book about the first Black woman Millionaire has caused me to not only focus on my business model, but has created an urgency in me to learn more about the women in my own family.

The overall consensus of the Bookclub was a DEFINITE 5 Star Book!

Bravo, Ms. Bundles!!! I hope we can get another movie that is more factually based on Madams amazing journey and contributions.

Incredible true story of Madam C.J. Walker, the first black female entrepreneur in US history to build a national business and become a millionaire. Her parents were freed slaves working as sharecroppers in 1876 when she was born. Self-educated and highly ambitious, she built an empire in the cosmetic business, developing products to heal unhealthy scalps and promote hair growth in black women. She trained other black women to sell the products and open salons, lifting an entire generation of poor uneducated black women from lifelong toil as washerwomen, sharecroppers, or domestic servants into successful independent businesswomen. The book is written by Madam Walker’s great-great granddaughter, using photos, letters, and other personal documents, in addition to magazine and newspaper accounts of her extraordinary life. Once established as a successful businesswoman, she used her influence to champion civil rights, overturn Jim Crowe laws, and abolish the hateful practice of lynching. This is an inspiring story of what one woman accomplished in the early 1900s, overcoming her gender, her race, and her lack of education.

Madam CJ Walker has an very interesting life story of how she was the child of slaves and became the wealthiest black woman in America. How the story was written however was slow and repetitive. I thought I’d been reading this book forever.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a story that we need to know. So many parts of it are simply amazing. I just wasn’t a fan of the writing. I will probably enjoy it more watching on Netflix.

Having worked with historians, I could tell the author did intense research on this book project. When it comes to African American history, one must dive deep into the archives of historical records, newspapers, and other periodicals and piece all the facts together to paint a complete picture. A’lelia did just that.
I’m sure her ancestors would be very proud.

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