Home

Timeline

Exhibition

For Teachers

Resources

Copyright Info

Madame C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove, 1867-1919)
beauty culturist, entrepreneur, philanthropist
Courtesy of the Walker Company

1. Have students interview several barbers and hair stylists in their communities. They should find out how and why these people got involved in the beauty culture business. They should also find out if these people are aware of Mme. Walker and her trailblazing in this industry.
   
   
2. Have students look through several fashion magazines and find the various types of hair care products available on the market presently. Have them write a description of three different hair treatments. They should look at texture, length, color and design. Have students cut some pictures out and make a hair collage.
   
   
3. Have students research various hair styles from Africa. Mme. Walker wanted to develop a product that "improved the texture of Black people's hair." Have a discussion about why she felt that people needed to improve their hair. How do the different ethnic groups in the African Diaspora deal creatively with hair texture? What ways do they embellish their hair?
   
   
4. Have a discussion about the standards of beauty that are promoted by American and European culture. What are those standards? How have these standards affected the way African Americans see themselves? How are these standards promoted?
   
   
5. Mme. Walker also promoted good hygiene as part of her program on good appearance. Have a classroom discussion on the merits of good dental health, diet and nutrition. Have students find an article on some aspect of hygiene in a magazine, such as Essence , then ask them to do a report on the subject.
   
   
6. Mme. Walker loved to wear big fancy hats and drove a fancy car. Have a contest to see who can draw the best picture of Mme. CJ Walker or her car.
   
   
7. One of the products developed by Mme. Walker was her "wonderful hair grower". Have students research advertisements in magazines that make similar claims. Have a classroom discussion on whether or not students believe these products deliver what they promise. What are the consequences a company faces when they make false claims about their products?