Madam C J Walker - Bibliography
A Note Regarding Resources: Items are listed on this page that enhance work with the topic discussed. Some older items, especially, may include dated practices and ideas that are no longer generally accepted. Resources reflecting current practices are noted whenever possible
Selected resources pertaining to Madam Walker and black History in Indiana
Black History News & Notes. August 1991. Number 45.
This issue lists some of the Indiana African-American history collections at the Indiana Historical Society.
Crenshaw, Gwendolyn J. “Bury Me in a Free Land”: The Abolitionist Movement in Indiana, 1816-1865. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Bureau. 1986.
This exhibit catalog provides excellent background information regarding blacks in Indiana. Adult readers.
Bundles, A’Lelia Perry. Madam C. J. Walker: Entrepreneur. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1991.
This is an excellent source on the life of Madam Walker written by her great, great-granddaughter. The book includes wonderful photographs and fascinating information. Written for intermediate and advanced elementary school readers; fast and easy reading for secondary school students and adults. There currently is not an adult book written about Madam Walker although Alex Haley has researched one with the help of Ms. Bundles.
Driskell, David, et al. Harlem Renaissance: Art of Black America. New York: The Studio Museum in Harlem & Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 1987.
Gibson-Hudson, Gloria J. “ ‘To all classes; to all races; this house is dedicated’ The Walker Theatre Revisited.” Black History News & Notes. February 1989. Number 35. pp. 4-6.
This is a good article about the Walker Theatre. The entire issue provides interesting information about the building and the Madame Walker Urban Life Center.
Latham, Charles, Jr. “Madam C. J. Walker & Company.” Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. Summer 1989. Vol. 1, No. 3. pp. 29-40.
Phillips, Clifton J. Indiana in Transition, 1880-1920. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Bureau and Indiana Historical Society. 1968.
Volume IV of the History of Indiana series is the standard reference for the turn of the century in Indiana.
Thornbrough, Emma Lou. The Negro in Indiana: A Study of a Minority. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Bureau. 1957.
This is a standard, classic work on the subject. For adult readers.
Thornbrough, Emma Lou. Since Emancipation: A Short History of Indiana Negroes, 1863-1963. Indianapolis: Indiana Division American Negro Emancipation Centennial Authority [1964].
Other Sources of Interest
Two Dollars and a Dream. This excellent 56 minute video is available free of charge (you must provide return postage, however) from the Indiana Humanities Council, 317-638-1500.
D’Alelio, Jane. I Know That Building!: Discovering Architecture with Activities and Games. Washington D.C. The Preservation Press. 1989.
Special thanks to Wilma Gibbs, Editor, Black History News and Notes, and Program Archivist, Indiana Historical Society, for her assistance and cooperation.
Special thanks to A’Lelia Perry Bundles for allowing the Indiana Junior Historian to use photographs in the Walker Collection.