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Madam C.J. Walker’s Mansion to Become a Think Tank for Women of Color Entrepreneurs

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Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to freed slaves in Delta, Louisi­ana, became the nation’s first self-made female millionaire and beauty pioneer after devel­oping a successful hair-grow­ing tonic.

Madam C.J. Walker’s Villa Lewaro was designed and completed 100 years ago by Vertner Tandy, the first licensed Black architect in New York State, and a founder of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Credit: A’Lelia Bundles/Madam Walker Family Archives/Courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Now, her estate will serve as the site of a learning institute for women of color.

The National Trust for His­toric Preservation announced last month that the New Voices Foundation purchased Walk­er’s home, called Villa Lewaro, for an undisclosed amount. The foundation functions as the nonprofit wing of the $100 mil­lion New Voices Fund, which supports women of color entre­preneurs.

The Dennis Family, includ­ing entrepreneur Richelieu Dennis, who also founded the New Voices Foundation, facili­tated the recent acquisition, and will spearhead its revitaliza­tion.

“We are excited to announce that the vision for future use of the property is as a learning in­stitute, or think tank, to foster entrepreneurship for present and future generations,” Den­nis said in a statement.

“This includes utilizing Vil­la Lewaro as both a physical and virtual destination where women of color entrepreneurs will come for curriculum-based learning and other resources aimed at helping them build, grow and expand their busi­nesses. When people think of entrepreneurship services for women of color, we want them to think of the New Voices Foundation and Villa Lewaro.”

Walker’s 28,000-square-foot property was designed and completed 100 years ago by Vertner Tandy, the first licensed Black architect in the state of New York and a founder of Al­pha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Walker was the first person of color to own property in Irving­ton. During the time it was built, Villa Lewaro was located on “Millionaire’s Row” in an area that was also home to the Astors and Rockefellers.

The pioneer’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, a biographer, as well as brand historian, said in a statement:

“No one at the time believed that a Black woman could afford such a place. So, I can think of no better way to celebrate Villa Lewaro’s 100th anniversary than the vision of the New Voic­es Foundation and the Dennis family for this historic treasure as a place to inspire today’s en­trepreneurs, tomorrow’s leaders and our entire community.”

In 2013, the Dennis family first reignited the Black million­aire’s cultural, entrepreneurial and hair care legacy through the acquisition of the Madam C.J. Walker brand. The family will now continue her legacy of cre­ating a space of empowerment for Black people.

Villa Lewaro was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

For the past 25 years, it has served as the family home of Ambassador Harold E. Doley, Jr. and his wife Helena.

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

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Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.
Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

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Photo by Billie Powers.
Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com

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