INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis legend Madam C.J. Walker is being immortalized in a mural on the intersection of Indiana and Senate avenues.
"Madam CJ Walker was the first self-made female millionaire in the country. And she made those millions right here in Indianapolis, Indiana," Kristian Stricklen, President of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, said.
Walker built a legacy selling hair products for Black Women in the wake of the Civil War. Local artist Tasha Beckwith painted the mural.
"I just hope that it provides a sense of inspiration for people to follow their dreams, and also to recognize that you can start from humble beginnings, like she did, but you can achieve something with hard work," Beckwith said.
The mural is a part of the Bicentennial Legends series celebrating Hoosiers who have made history in the last 200 years.
"This recognition of her as a part of our civic public art landscape a mural, a signature mural honoring her is overdue. Her legacy in our city is phenomenal," Julie Goodman, president and CEO of Indy Arts Council said.
In August, the community raised more than $15,000 when the project needed additional funding. It shows the place that Walker holds in the hearts of Hoosiers. '
She didn't just build her own empire, she used the bulk of her fortune for the public good. She promoted education and taught other Black women to succeed in business.
City leaders gathered to dedicate the mural on Thursday. They hope it will stand forever to remind Hoosiers that they, too can build their own legacy.
-
Artemis II mission completes successful transit around the far side of the moon
Ground controllers have reestablished radio contact with the four astronauts of the Artemis II lunar mission as their spacecraft reemerges from behind the far side of the moon.
Second U.S. warplane reported downed in Middle East
Two U.S. military planes were shot down in separate incidents on Friday, and while one crew member was rescued in Iran, the whereabouts of at least one other was unknown. (Scripps News)
Family challenges IMPD's account of fatal downtown shooting
The family of a man killed in a downtown shooting, and another now held in jail is challenging the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s account of the incident.
Journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Iraq and is now held for ransom
Supporters of an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad say she risked her life reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places. Now she's the one in danger.
