Maggie L. Walker

Maggie L. Walker was a pioneering African American woman born in 1864 who became a respected community leader and financial innovator. She was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States, the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, which served Black neighborhoods. Walker also worked as a teacher and activist, advocating for education and civil rights. Her efforts helped improve economic opportunities and inspired others to pursue independence and self-sufficiency. She is celebrated for breaking barriers in finance and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress for African Americans and women.