Bank founder, businesswoman, teacher, newspaper publisher. Maggie Lena Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934) was an African-American businesswoman and teacher. Walker was the first African-American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States.

What choices did Maggie L Walker make that uplifted others in her community?

Maggie Walker encouraged children to take the coins from their pocket bank and open savings accounts at the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. The pocket banks became a symbol of Walker’s goal to teach economic uplift and inspire independence for African Americans during the oppressive period of Jim Crow.

Who was Maggie Walker for kids?

American businesswoman Maggie Lena Draper Walker helped African Americans progress both socially and financially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She played a major role in the organizational and commercial life of the African American community in Richmond, Virginia.

Who was Maggie Lena Walker and what did she do?

Maggie Lena Walker (1867-1934) was an African American entrepreneur and civic leader. She and her associates organized a variety of enterprises that advanced the African American community while expanding the public role of women. Maggie Lena Walker was born in Richmond, Virginia, just after the Civil War.

Why was Maggie Walker important to African Americans?

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 became an example for people with disabilities.

When did Maggie Lena Walker become Grand Secretary?

In 1895, Walker, who had been rising quickly through the ranks of the Order, became grand deputy matron. She also established a youth arm of the order to inspire social consciousness in young African Americans. In 1897, Walker gave birth to another son, Melvin, and two years later, became the Order of St. Luke’s grand secretary.

When did Maggie Walker give up her teaching job?

Maggie taught until 1886, when she married Armstead Walker Jr. The Richmond school district did not permit married women to teach, so she had to give up her coveted job. By then, Reconstruction had been over for nearly a decade.