Crowning Glory

She rose from the cotton fields to become one of the most powerful women of her time—defying every expectation, building an empire, and changing the face of beauty forever. This is the story of Madame C.J. Walker—reimagined with vivid detail, emotional insight, and unflinching truth. In Crowning Glory, award-winning author Lucille Devereaux brings to life the extraordinary journey of Sarah Breedlove, the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, who would become the iconic Madame C.J. Walker—America's first self-made female millionaire. Seamlessly blending historical accuracy with lyrical storytelling, Devereaux invites readers into the inner world of a woman who dared to dream beyond the constraints of race, gender, and poverty in post-Reconstruction America. From her early years as a washerwoman struggling to support her daughter, to her groundbreaking innovations in Black hair care, to the founding of a business empire that empowered thousands of women, Crowning Glory explores the trials and triumphs that shaped Madame Walker's indomitable spirit. Along the way, we meet the allies who lifted her up, the rivals who challenged her, and the communities she helped uplift with education, employment, and fierce pride. More than a historical retelling, this is a deeply personal portrait of a woman who carried the weight of a people's dreams on her shoulders—and never let it break her. Set against a backdrop of social upheaval, racial injustice, and the dawn of the modern beauty industry, Crowning Glory honors a legacy that still echoes today. Readers will walk alongside Madame Walker through heartbreak and hope, betrayal and belief, resistance and resilience. As much a celebration as it is a story of struggle, Crowning Glory is a tribute to the brilliance and bravery of Black women throughout history—and a call to carry the torch forward. Themes explored: The power of self-invention Black beauty and cultural pride Motherhood, mentorship, and community uplift Race, gender, and economic empowerment The early 20th-century Black experience in America For readers who love: The Personal Librarian, Self Made, The Invention of Wings, The Vanishing Half, or Hidden Figures—this book shines a light on a hidden chapter of history that deserves to be known, remembered, and celebrated. Whether you're discovering Madame Walker's story for the first time or returning to her legacy with fresh eyes, Crowning Glory will leave you moved, inspired, and changed.