Madam C.J. Walker just became part of Barbie’s new line of Inspiring Women Dolls. Walker was an African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, she was the first self-made female billionaire of colour.
Originally born as Sarah Breedlove on 23 December 1867, Walker was the daughter of former slaves. She achieved upward mobility after the success of her venture, Walker Manufacturing Co., a line of hair products and cosmetics designed specifically for women of colour. She even employed thousands of black women in her company and helped them become financially independent.