Be like Madame Sarah Walker

Thanks to seven CitiBank managers from Fresno County and the Valley, who went into classrooms at Tehipite Middle School recently to read aloud a book about Madame Sarah Walker.

The students learned that she picked cotton and did laundry starting at age 5 and married for the first time at 14 in order to survive. Because of her own needs, she developed a line of hair products for African-Americans. Her business success enabled her to help others. By the turn of the 20th century, she was a millionaire and the richest African-American woman in the United States.

The Tehipite seventh and eighth graders were the beneficiaries of a partnership among CitiBank, a nonprofit organization called First Book, and Steve’s Scholars, a scholarship program for Tehipite students. First Book provides books to schools in high poverty areas. CitiBank funded the opportunity and distributed books to over 200 students.

After the book reading, students were encouraged to emulate Madame Walker: work hard, be in control of their destinies and give back to others.

We also appreciate Yvonne Zysling, Tehipite principal, who organizes and facilitates so many activities for her students and families with grace and a smile.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Be like Madame Sarah Walker."