Trailblazers of Black Excellence: Shirley Chisholm & Madam C.J. Walker

Throughout history, Black Women have paved the way for progress, resilience, and economic empowerment. Two such powerhouses are Shirley Chisholm and Madam C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove). They defied societal barriers, redefined leadership, and left legacies that continue to inspire generations. Their contributions extend far beyond their time, shaping politics, entrepreneurship, and the fight for Black economic independence.

At Play Black Wall Street we highlight our leaders of past and present with the hope to inspire the leaders of the future.

Shirley Chisholm: Unbought, Unbossed & Unstoppable

Shirley Chisholm was not just a politician; she was a movement! Born in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Barbados and Guyana, Chisholm’s early experiences with racial and gender discrimination fueled her passion for advocacy. In 1968, she shattered ceilings by becoming the first Black Woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York’s 12th congressional district. But she didn’t stop there.

In 1972, she made history again by becoming the first Black Woman to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination, a bold move in a political landscape that wasn’t ready for her. Her slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” weren't just words; it was her truth. Chisholm fought for the underrepresented, championing policies on education, workers’ rights, and racial and gender equity.

Her campaign was met with resistance, both from White political structures and Black male leaders who doubted a woman’s viability in politics. But Chisholm was undeterred. She ran not just to win but to pave the way for future leaders, ensuring that Black Women had a seat at the table. Today, her legacy lives on in every Black Woman who steps into political office, demanding change and refusing to be silenced.

What would the world look like today if Shirley Chisolm had won the 1972 Presidential election instead of Richard Nixon?

Madam C.J. Walker: The Blueprint for Black Entrepreneurship

Before Oprah, before Beyoncé, before the Black Wall Street entrepreneurs, there was Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, she was the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, raised in the post-Reconstruction South, and orphaned at just seven years old. But hardship didn’t define her, determination did.

After struggling with hair loss, Sarah developed a line of hair care products specifically for Black women, launching the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. She wasn’t just selling products, she was building an empire. She trained thousands of Black Women in sales and business ownership, giving them economic independence in a society that offered them few opportunities.

Walker’s wealth was impressive, but what truly set her apart was how she reinvested in her community. She funded Black schools, donated to civil rights organizations, and used her success to uplift others. Her estate in Indiana was more than just a home, it was a hub for Black activism and business strategy.

Walker laid the foundation for Black entrepreneurship, proving that Black wealth isn’t just about individual success, it’s about collective empowerment. Today, her impact is seen in Black-owned businesses nationwide, from beauty brands to fintech startups, all built on the principle of economic self-determination.

Why Their Stories Matter Today

Shirley Chisholm and Madam C.J. Walker didn’t just break barriers, they built blueprints. Chisholm showed us the power of fearless leadership in politics, while Walker proved that financial independence is a tool for liberation. Their lives remind us that Black excellence isn’t just about individual success, it’s about using our achievements to open doors for others.

At Play Black Wall Street, we honor their legacies by educating, inspiring, and equipping the next generation with the tools to build wealth and create change. Whether through entrepreneurship, politics, or community-building, we stand on the shoulders of these giants as we continue the work they started.

Thank you for reading and learning with us. If you want to continue to learn our rich history check out our Black Studies Snacks Podcast or our Play Black Wall Street Academy.