Oakland
Madam C.J. Walker’s Mansion to Become a Think Tank for Women of Color Entrepreneurs
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.
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.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Bay Area
BART to Retire Legacy Trains in Public Ceremony April 20
The Richmond Standard
Bay Area Rapid Transit’s final dispatch of legacy trains will take place on Saturday, April 20, and will be accompanied by a retirement ceremony and a final legacy ride.
At 1 p.m., the public is invited to celebrate the last run of BART’s legacy trains during a ceremony that will take place in the free area of the plaza at MacArthur Station in Oakland.
Following the ceremony, the public is invited to board a legacy train and ride from MacArthur to Fremont Station, mirroring the initial service BART provided when it opened Sept. 11, 1972.
“It’s a 45-minute trip that travels along approximately 24 miles of the original section of tracks,” BART officials said.
Multiple legacy trains will run for the event, and all will make station stops and may turn around at Bay Fair depending on the number of attendees waiting to ride. Regular fares will apply.
“These train cars are part of the history of the Bay Area,” said Bob Powers, BART general manager. “While we are excited to modernize the system, we recognize the profound cultural importance of these cars, and we want to celebrate their rich history and give them a proper send off.”
BART is now running train cars from its Fleet of the Future project.
Those nostalgic for the older trains will be able to view three of them soon at Western Railway Museum in Suisun City.
A handful of other legacy cars will be transferred to be repurposed for short-term rentals, entertainment venues, and training facilities, according to BART. Most of the legacy cars have been recycled.
Bay Area
Mind, Body, and Spiritual Well-Being for Women Addressed in NAACP Forum in Oakland
The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church. Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.
Special to The Post
The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church.
Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.
The forum will feature renowned experts, healthcare professionals, and advocates from Genentech, John Muir Health, Sutter Health of The East Bay, Kaiser Permanente, and the Alameda County Public Health Department.
Our expert panel will address various aspects of women’s health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and healthy relationships. The forum will encompass a wide range of topics such as breast cancer, menopause, reproductive health, nutrition, mental health awareness, preventive care, and much more.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend informative sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by experts in their respective fields. Additionally, there will be wellness activities, screenings, and informational booths offering valuable resources and support.
This forum is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging inclusivity and diversity in the conversation surrounding women’s health. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself, a loved one, or simply looking to connect with other women, this event promises to be enlightening and empowering.
For more information and to register for the Total You Women’s Health Forum, please visit https://www.naacpoakland.org/ or contact Dr. Delores Thompson. WIN chairwoman at (510) 328-3638.
The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is dedicated to empowering women, and young teen girls. We look forward to your participation in this important event.
To register, go to https://www.naacpoakland.org/events/the-total-you-womens-health-forum
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