Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving · Aperio book club
In Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black Women’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow, our May book club pick, Tyrone McKinley presents Madam C.J. Walker’s philanthropic efforts as proof of black women’s generosity and deserved place in the historical and current discussions of great philanthropists. By researching and uncovering the somewhat obscure details of Madam Walker’s philanthropy, McKinley shows a side of her that many may not be familiar with. He also shows some of the inner workings of the philanthropy of African American women.
One of the main ideas presented in the book is rethinking our concept of philanthropy. McKinley presents a new definition of philanthropy as “voluntary action for the public good”. This broadened definition of philanthropy removes the barrier of wealth and allows many to identify themselves in this category. Though Madam Walker became America’s first self-made female millionaire, which ultimately enabled her to give large gifts that helped to uplift the African American race, her philanthropic work spanned her lifetime and was evident well before her financial status improved, during the years of her company development, and after her death. McKinley chronicled this work in the book.
The book was written with five sections highlighting the different types of gifts Madame Walker gave. The five sections were: opportunity, education, activism, material resources, and legacy. McKinley described in-depth how Madame Walker’s philanthropy touched each of these areas.
Opportunity and education
As an entrepreneur, Madam Walker not only gave monetary gifts, but she created opportunity for her community. Participants reflected on the difficulties faced by African Americans during Madam Walker’s time. Severe oppression, the fear of death, and lack of opportunity to pursue education presented obstacles for women of color at the turn of the twentieth century. Walker’s hair company and beauty schools provided solutions to many of these issues. Book club participants shared how inspiring it was to think through the access that Madame Walker provided the women who joined her company. Not only did she provide jobs for many women, but she also provided education, confidence, and community at a time when black women were often severely mistreated. As McKinley often reiterates, Madame Walker truly used her company to uplift her race. It was a main vehicle for her philanthropy.
Activism
Through Walker’s agent networks, she was able to form connections and engage with women whom she could encourage to advocate for legislative change. One example McKinley gives is the resolution Walker and her agents sent to President Wilson demanding action to prevent lynching. Because her network was so vast, she was able to effect change by encouraging her agents to speak out against Jim Crow and other oppressive legislation. Activism was an essential part of Madam Walker’s philanthropy as it allowed her to give others the gift of freedom from legislative oppression.
Material resources and legacy
Being the first self-made female millionaire, Madame Walker had the means to give significant and impactful monetary gifts to many individuals and organizations that were important to her. McKinley points out how she often gave to organizations that were led by black women, fulfilling her desire to uplift her race. She also gave to many other causes that were important to her and furthered her desire to see the black race overcome the effects of Jim Crow and gain access to education. Finally, she continued her giving in her death by leaving a will that was intended to give gifts to multiple organizations. McKinley highlights how, though only 1/10th of Walker’s estate was used for charity instead of the intended 1/3rd, the document shows the continued generosity of Walker and seals her philanthropic legacy.
Rethinking philanthropy
As the book club considered all the levels of Madame Walker’s philanthropy, we were challenged to rethink the way we view philanthropy. By stripping away the barrier of wealth and considering the areas highlighted in this book, we open the doors of philanthropy to people of all different backgrounds. Just as African Americans were often left out of the historiography of philanthropy due to the barrier of wealth, we will continue that history if we do not change some of the exclusionary practices that are often found in current fundraising programs.
One book club participant shared a memory she had from her early years of fundraising. She recalled how a gift processor received an envelope in the mail. When they opened the envelope, there was a handwritten note that appeared to be written by a shaky hand and a gift of $2. The note detailed how the woman who gave the gift was sending it in to help people. This caused her boss to cry as he considered how much that gift must have meant to the giver. This memory has stuck with her ever since. Though the participant who shared this story has since moved on to other positions and regularly receives gifts with more zeroes at the end of them, that experience continues to challenge her to think about the act of giving.
This story harkens back to Tyrone McKinley’s reworking of the definition of philanthropy. Though he rightly focused on the African American history of philanthropy and wrote to reclaim the title of philanthropist for great African American figures like Madam Walker, the concept can help all people. As we consider philanthropy, we must continue to challenge ourselves to engage with givers who may not have wealth but have the heart to see communities changed. Without changing how we view philanthropy, we will not only exclude people and create barriers to giving but also miss out on extraordinary gifts.
Kaysee Johnson
Kaysee Johnson, Coordinator, Client Services at Aperio, has served nonprofit organizations including, most recently, supporting the development department with the American Heart Association.
