In the midst of the global COVID-19 panic, it can be easy to get swept up into newsreel horror stories and magazine terrors, inevitably becoming blind-sighted to notable events of daily life. Although its thunder may be stolen, its impact won’t be minimized. Since 1987, March has been nationally recognized as Women’s History Month, a full 31 days dedicated to celebrating female pioneers of industry, renowned female activists, empowered female authors, and progressive icons who paved the pathway for the advancement of, you guessed it: females.
Now, when you think of strong women throughout history, you might be searching centuries back, identifying with Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Sojourner Truth, both of whom are female powerhouses well beyond worthy of admiration. However, if you take a closer look around you, it becomes evident that there is, in fact, a woman of our time representing the very dedication, intelligence, and wisdom of every one of her predecessors. If there is any woman who embodies the principles of female zeal and success, it is A’Lelia Bundles: distinguished journalist, respected author, Ivy League graduate, ex news executive, and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker.
Just over a week ago, Bundles’ book, On Her Own Ground, a biography detailing the life and accomplishments of Madam C.J. Walker, debuted on Netflix in the form of a miniseries rightly titled, Self Made.
I had the opportunity to interview the esteemed Bundles and upon the dissection of her motive in writing On Her Own Ground, I learned that not only was her book transformative in the world of writing, but it also played a pivotal role in shifting her view of her famed great-great-grandmother.
“When my professor had suggested I write this, I was really looking at her initially partially through the lense that other people had created,” said Bundles.
Bundles shared that she began to learn that there was more to her great-great-grandmother than what her young self had ever envisioned.
“When I began to discover all of these other dimensions to her, she was in fact a pioneer of the modern hair care industry but she also was a philanthropist, and a patron of the arts, and a political activist who supported the anti-lynching movement, and who provided jobs for women, empowered women, helped women become economically independent. Once I began to learn those other dimensions of her, that’s when I knew that I had a story that both inspired me and could inspire others,” explained Bundles.
While it is clear to see that Bundles’ family has quite the legacy, Bundles still grew freely as a child, consumed in the riveting search for her own passions.
“Nobody said to us that ‘Madam Walker is an example that you have to live up to.’ My mother wanted us to find our own passions, and so my passion was writing, and it was working for the school newspaper, and then ultimately becoming a producer and an executive with NBC and ABC,” said Bundles.
Even though Bundles’ parents encouraged her own personal exploration, it is undeniable that the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker is being beautifully upheld by her great-great-granddaughter who is not only making a name for herself, but is doing so while setting the stage for the continuation of female journalistic successes and inspiring women from all across the world.
