Before her passing in 1919, the African-American woman Madam C.J. Walker became the United States’ first self-made millionaire.
How? Hair.
Now, almost 100 years after her death, her story is to be brought to life by Octavia Spencer.
An excerpt from Spencer’s recent interview with ‘The New York Times’ reveals:
Acutely aware of the lack of diversity in Hollywood on both sides of the camera, Ms. Spencer is determined to make a correction. She has begun optioning books, including one about Madam C. J. Walker, considered the first self-made African-American female millionaire. “Since making ‘Hidden Figures,’ I don’t have a problem saying to a room of male executives: ‘I need a female writer or a female director,’ or ‘I need a black voice or a Latin voice,’” she said. “I do not feel bad about it.”
News of her plans comes before the December 25th release of ‘Figures‘ which also Taraji P. Henson and Janelle Monae.
Her retelling of Walker’s story will see Spencer detail her family’s journey from the horrors of slavery to groundbreaking glory in the field of cosmetology.
Keep it locked on TGJ for more on this developing story.