The daughter of a black slave who managed to become the first African-American woman to establish and lead a bank (7 photos)

The life of slaves cannot be called joyful and happy. But there were also those who had the strength to break the back of fate.





Maggie Draper was born in 1864 in Richmond and from childhood years showed enviable stubbornness, refusing to listen to instructions mother. It is believed that the girl's father was a journalist, but this is not accurate. information. In many ways, the formation of her as a person was influenced by the fact that the mother served in the home of the famous American Elizabeth Van Lew. Woman fought for the rights of slaves, opposed racial discrimination. And in confirmation of her ideas, she ransomed the relatives of her slaves, to reunite families. Elizabeth had to spend a lot amount - at the current rate, something about 200 thousand dollars.



After the abolition of slavery, Maggie's mother remained at the Van Lew household. But now as a hired hand. She received a salary and dreamed of giving daughters a decent education. Everything was easy for the girl. But she really fell in love with the queen of sciences - mathematics.

Growing up, Maggie joined a religious organization - the Order Saint Luke. Quickly became an activist and initiated education unit dealing with juvenile issues. Young woman went to work in the school where she studied herself. And would continue to work if not marriage. Becoming the wife of a bricklayer Armstead Walker, she had to quit. Since then state law did not allow married women work as teachers. But Maggie was too active in nature and did not could sit idle. In addition to home and children, she paid a lot of attention Order and quickly took the post of secretary.

New turn and new life



Maggie Walker and staff of the Order and Bank of Saint Luke

But this position was not the ultimate dream for Maggie Walker. Moreover, the abolition of slavery revealed a new layer of social problems. The Negroes turned out to be mere children in terms of independent living. And felt themselves as if left without parental care. Yesterday's slaves needed help and support. And Walker came up with the idea of organizing a bank especially for black people.



And the financial and credit structure, which was also named in honor of St. Luke, soon appeared. Maggie personally led it, which for 1903 was a sensation. After all, even educated white women are not allowed to such positions on a cannon shot. And here is the daughter former slave.



Maggie at her bank teller counter

In addition to standard services - issuance of loans, loans, maintenance of accounts and acceptance of savings at interest Maggie's bank was engaged in and charity - the construction of hospitals, the issuance of housing for the poor and beyond.



The life of Maggie herself was not cloudless at the same time. In her there was an irreparable tragedy: in 1915, her son Russell accidentally shot his father, mistaking him for a robber. The woman was at that moment Houses. But nothing could be done. Her testimony allowed the son to escape punishment. But he suffered so much because of committed, that a few years later he also died. To the woman's house A widowed daughter-in-law moved in with her children.



Sculpture dedicated to Maggie

The body also made itself felt: Maggie suffered from sugar diabetes, and the Lame Lioness, as she was called because of her limping gait, it became increasingly difficult to walk. Then - the last 10 years of life she had to use a wheelchair to get around. But even in In this state, the Lioness continued to work. Becoming an example resilience for people with disabilities.

Walker died in 1934 at the age of 70. And the bank which she founded, became the oldest bank in the United States, which was headed by black president.