All Things Richmond would like to apologize. We totally missed Maggie L Walker's birthday celebration at Third Street Bethel AME Church yesterday. For thoses who don't know, Maggie Walker was the first woman president of any bank in America, establishing the St. Joseph's Savings for blacks who had very little opportunity to bank anywhere. Her focus was on ordinary people who she encouraged to save a nickel at a time. This humble beginning evolved into Consolidated Bank and Trust at 2nd & Marshall, which is still there today.
Maggie Walker was born in harrowing times during the last years of the Civil War. She overcame these harsh beginnings to become one of the most respected black women of the 20th Century. In a time of challenge and opportunity, she stands as an example that no matter what your circumstances, you can survive and thrive. She is s a hero for our times who deserves a statue along Richmond's Avenue of Heroes, Monument Avenue. This is not politics, it is justice. She earned her place in history and we need her example now more than ever.
You can visit the Maggie L Walker National Park Service website for more information or visit her home at 110 1/2 East Leigh Street in Jackson Ward. Tours Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed major holidays. Call: 771-2017
Related Stories.
Story in today's Times Dispatch.
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