The Madam Walker Legacy Center celebrated two significant advancements honoring pioneering entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker: the installation of an official Indiana state historical marker and the opening of a new on-site gift shop.
Both debuted during the center’s Legacy Fest, which drew more than 10,000 attendees.
The marker, provided by the Indiana Historical Bureau, now stands outside the historic Indiana Avenue building. It recognizes Walker’s enduring impact as a business leader, philanthropist and activist.
Legacy Center President Kristian Stricklen emphasized its significance.
“This marker ensures Madam Walker’s legacy remains front and center, right here where her vision became reality,” she said.
The center acknowledges historian Nicole Poletika and Casey Pfeiffer of the Indiana Historical Bureau, curator Kisha Tandy and Walker’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles for their roles in securing the marker. Support also came from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Women’s History Association.
Concurrently, the Madam Walker Gift Shop opened inside the landmark building. It features merchandise celebrating Walker’s life, Black history and entrepreneurial spirit — including a prominent mural of the trailblazer.
The shop operates during scheduled tours and special events.
Legacy Fest attendees were the first to explore the new retail space, which offers tangible connections to Walker’s achievements. The weekend festival highlighted her cultural and commercial legacy in Indianapolis.
Visitors may access tour schedules and event details at madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
