Maggie L. Walker

This article is about the Virginia businesswoman and first African American woman bank president in the United States. For the poet, see Margaret Walker.

Maggie Lena Walker
Born
Maggie Lena Draper

(1864-07-15)July 15, 1864
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
DiedDecember 15, 1934(1934-12-15) (aged 70)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Occupation(s)Bank founder, businesswoman, teacher, newspaper publisher.
Known forFirst African American woman to charter a bank in the United States[1]

Maggie Lena (née Draper Mitchell) Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934) was an American businesswoman and teacher. In 1903, Walker became both the first African American woman to charter a bank and the first African American woman to serve as a bank president.[2] As a leader, Walker achieved successes with the vision to make tangible improvements in the way of life for African Americans. Disabled by paralysis and a wheelchair user later in life, Walker also paved the way for people with disabilities.

Along with her leadership of the Independent Order of St. Luke, Maggie Walker was also involved with the NAACP, The National Association of Colored Women, the National Urban League and National Negro Business League, and the United Order of Tents.[3]

Walker's restored and furnished home in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia has been designated a National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service.

  1. ^ Norwood, Arlisha R. (2017). "Maggie L. Walker". Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference NPS Walker was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Marlowe was invoked but never defined (see the help page).