First Woman Bank President in the United States!

    Maggie Walker was born on July 15, 1867 in our state, Virginia, in the city of Richmond. Her beloved mother's name was Elizabeth Draper, who was a slave and cook at the VanLew (Civil War spy) mansion. Her father's name was William Mitchell, who was the former butler to the VanLew family. When she was fourteen, Maggie joined the Independent Order of St. Luke, an organization that helps the sick and the old people. She also worked for equal rights for African Americans. She became the Right Worthy Grand Secretary in 1899, a position she held until her death. In 1902 Maggie set up a newspaper called, St.Luke Herald to promote communications with the public.  She was the first woman to establish a savings bank called St. Luke's Penny Savings Bank in 1903. In 1923 she received an honorary Master's degree from Virginia Union University. By 1928 she was confined to a wheelchair but even with her physical limitations, she remained involved with her bank and St. Luke's until her death. She changed history for all black women.

Jessica 16
5-Browne