Madam C.J. Walker and the Work of Building Opportunity

It’s a story that inspires and uplifts all of us – and on a recent visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (part of the Smithsonian), I realized it's a story our nation celebrates. I am referring to the story of Madam C.J. Walker that is on display at the museum.

Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy is more than a story of success. It is a reminder of what is possible when leadership is rooted in community, and purpose.

As an entrepreneur, Madam Walker built one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in American history. She understood, long before it was widely recognized, that business could be a force for community advancement. She invested in education, supported civil rights efforts, and used her success to expand opportunity for others.

This legacy is celebrated and shared here in Indianapolis in many ways and notably through the activities at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

IU Indianapolis and the Madam Walker Legacy Center are joined at the hip. We celebrate our shared ancestry—shaped by the families, businesses, and communities that once called Indiana Avenue home. As I shared earlier this month, our campus sits on land once home to vibrant neighborhoods whose stories continue to inform who we are today. Honoring that history is not about looking backward; it is about understanding the responsibility we carry forward.

That commitment to innovation is very much alive today. Earlier this month, leaders marked the launch of construction on a new Rooftop Cultural & Performance Venue, building on a recently announced $8 million endowment. As the landmark approaches its centennial in 2027, these investments strengthen its role as a cultural and economic anchor for our city. It is a powerful example of what can happen when institutions work together with a shared sense of purpose.

That responsibility shows up in how we educate students, partner with our community, and prepare graduates to lead with intention. Whether through entrepreneurship, workforce development, public service, or civic engagement, our work is grounded in the belief that opportunity should be expanded, not preserved for a few.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I invite you to reflect on what it means to be both thoughtful stewards of our city’s history and bold architects of its future. By working together, we can bring ambitious aspirations to life and ensure that opportunity continues to grow for generations to come.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor