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.. sought after, and over the years, her successful business provided employment for many tailors and seamstresses.

In Virginia, in 1902, John Mitchell founded the Mechanics Savings Bank, through which he counseled blacks on how to wisely invest their money. He supervised the investments of self-help fraternal groups. It was his goal to keep such groups solvent so they could continue in the economic role they played in the community.

Another banker who thought it his duty to encourage thrift and the wise use of money was William Pettiford. After becoming head of the Alabama Penny Loan and Savings Bank in 1899, Pettiford set out to educate his depositors in finance, while providing them loans for home building and business development. He said it was his goal to "stimulate a wholesome desire among our people to become property owners and substantial citizens."

"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity . . . Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come; you have to get up and make them."

- Madame C.J. Walker

One of America's most famous entrepreneurs was Sarah Breedlove Walker, popularly known as Madame C.J. Walker. After experimenting with various formulas to straighten hair, in 1905 she created one that worked. She set about selling it door-to-door, eventually hiring others to help her. In this way, she helped many people start their own cosmetics and hair-care businesses. In 1910, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Madame Walker ...

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