Did you know the first woman in the United States to charter a financial institution was a Black woman? Maggie Lena Walker was born to enslaved parents but rose to become a leader in business during the 19th and 20th centuries.
A resident of Richmond, Virginia, she founded St. Luke Penny Saving Bank in 1903, which became a powerful symbol for Black self-help in the segregated American south. The bank provided a financial resource for adults and children alike.
Click here to learn more about this inspiring Black leader and look for more Black History Month spotlights in February.
Relevant Resources
Q2 is a proud founding sponsor of Austin’s African American Leadership Institute (AALI), which is designed to enhance civic awareness and leadership opportunities to make an innovative community impact on Central Texas. Click here to learn more.