The Truth Behind The First Black Women Millionaires: Madam C.J. Walker And Annie Malone

Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Malone Turnbo

By: Emily-Ann

Netflix aired its new series, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker  and let’s just say I was disappointed in the many inaccuracies the series portrayed throughout its run. If you are going to tell a story about a woman of color let’s stick to the facts. Our history has already been told by people who want to hide the truth about our contributions to society and the country we helped build, our tribes, cultural practices, and African religion. What about the real story of Anne Minerva Turnbo Malone?

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker

Annie Minerva Turnbo was born on August 9, 1877 in Metropolis, Illinois. Her parents were former slaves. Annie’s love for hair care began in school and she was into chemistry. During her educational years, she often fell ill and had to miss classes. After the death of her mother and father, Annie began living with her sister and started practicing hairdressing while under the care of her sister.

Annie Turnbo Malone

In the 1900's Annie developed her own hair products, her own line of non-damaging hair straighteners, special oils, and hair-stimulant products for women of color. At the time, women would use damaging alternatives like goose fat, heavy oils, and bacon fat. All which would cause heavy damage to the hair and scalp. Annie named her product “ Wonderful Hair Grower”. Sound familiar? Octavia Spencer, who played Madam C.J. Walker did mention it as part of her pitch in the market scene. You can also find the name on many of Madam C.J. Walker’s products. 

Annie was one of the first black female millionaires, built many schools and employed many black workers. In the Netflix series she was portrayed as a jealous rival who based her intention to get even based on colorism and a stolen formula. While it was true they were competitors in real life, Annie patented the rights to the hot comb and was very active in donations for black students in many colleges. She named her company Poro, and later met Sara Breedlove, known as Madam C.J. Walker who did in fact become a sales representative for Annie and her company. This was before Sara went off and did her own thing. Did you know the word, “Poro” is the West African word meaning physical and spiritual growth? 

Let’s clear up the whole colorism issue that was obvious throughout the series. Annie Malone was not bi-racial, and in many pictures of Annie you can clearly see she was of a darker skin tone and colorism was not a factor among the rivals. The writers of this series made it seem like the relationship between Annie and Sara was a compare and contrast of the advantages and disadvantages of having light or dark skin color, which is an old tactic that the media has brought to viewers time and time again. Not dismissing the fact that skin tone wasn’t an issue as it was definitely an added element in the 1900’s but it’s getting old and more of us are woke to the media tactics used against the black community. 

Annie Turnbo

Annie eventually settled in St. Louis, Missouri and built her business and hair schools there. She sold her products “Poro” and “Wonderful Hair Grower” door-to-door. Her business success allowed her to travel to Caribbean Islands and all over the United States selling her products to African American women.

Annie also built an orphanage and the people of St. Louis named a street after her. Annie Malone was one of the first female black millionaires and Madam C.J. Walker joined her in her ranks as a female millionaire philanthropist and business woman of their time. Both equally have contributed to the progress of the African American community and providing employment to thousands.

Poro College of Hair and Beauty

Let’s give the correct black woman her credit where it is due. Now they also fabricated details pertaining to Madam C.J. Walker’s life for example, her daughter actually married three times before her death in 1931. Her lovers did not include women. Her death was due to complications of the same element as her mother (hypertension). There are so many facts missing from this story. Give us your feedback and leave a comment on our page. What are some of your thoughts about the series?

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