published February 28, 2023
December 23, 1867
Born Black
bold, and brilliant
in the face of Jim Crow racism
I remained resilient
I was born free!
a violet wildflower that rose out of
Louisiana's poverty
1906
I received God's vision
to invent
a product that would lead Black women
to prosperity and economic independence
a philanthropist
even in the face of black male resistance
I successfully hired over 20,000 sales agents
and built my own manufacturing business
in Indiana
I'm determined, radical, and gifted!
I leave a legacy
as pilot pioneer
for African American entrepreneurship
this couldn't of been achieved
had I not embraced my Black beauty
or magical hair
for all to stare
as America's 1919
first Black Madam
self-made
millionaire
I am...?
