Weekender Bag “Turning Dreams into Dollars—The Walker Way.”

Maggie Lena Walker was a trailblazing businesswoman, educator, and activist who became the first Black woman to charter and serve as a bank president in the United States.

Her Early Life

Born on July 15, 1864, in Richmond, Virginia, Maggie grew up during the Reconstruction era. Her mother, Elizabeth Draper, was a formerly enslaved woman who worked as a laundress to support the family after Maggie’s stepfather passed away. Despite financial hardships, Maggie pursued education and became deeply involved in community organizations.

Her Legacy in Business and Finance

Maggie was a leader in the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal organization dedicated to supporting Black communities. In 1903, she founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, making history as the first Black woman to charter and lead a bank. Her vision was to empower Black Americans economically, encouraging financial independence and business ownership.

Her Activism and Influence

Beyond banking, Maggie was involved in the NAACP, the National Association of Colored Women, and the National Urban League. She championed education, civil rights, and economic empowerment, paving the way for future generations. Later in life, she faced health challenges and used a wheelchair, but she remained an active leader until her passing on December 15, 1934.

Her home in Richmond, Virginia, has been preserved as a National Historic Site, honoring her contributions to Black economic progress