Maggie L. Walker
Maggie Lena Walker
Maggie L. Walker, the first Black woman to charter a bank in the United States, was born in Richmond, Virginia.
- Profession
- Businesswoman, Banker
- From
- Richmond, Virginia
- Born
- July 15, 1864
- Years active
- 1889–1934
Early life
Born in Richmond in 1864 to a formerly enslaved mother, Walker worked as a teacher before devoting herself to fraternal and financial work.
Career
In 1903 she founded and led the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, becoming the first woman of any race to charter and serve as president of a U.S. bank.
Major achievements
She built an economic institution that empowered Richmond's Black community for decades.
Legacy
Walker is celebrated as a pioneer of Black entrepreneurship and financial independence.
References
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