Madam C.J. Walker, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Social Activist

Born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867 on a Delta, Louisiana plantation, this daughter of former slaves transformed herself from an uneducated farm laborer and laundress into one of the twentieth century’s most successful, self-made women entrepreneurs. Told in the oral tradition, Gwendolyn Quezaire Presutti will present the life and times of Madam C.J. Walker in a 45 minute presentation.

Gwendolyn Quezaire Presutti has combined her expertise for public speaking and diligence for obtaining historical research into an impeccable outlet of storytelling and dramatic performance. Presutti has performed in character to inter-generational audiences from the main stages of national festivals to schools. Her Rhetoric of Survival Programs draw on a wide array of previously untapped primary sources addressing the lives of black women in America.

This program is ideal for adults and families with children ages 11 and above.

This program is sponsored by the City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library in celebration of Women’s History Month.