A descendant of Madam C.J. Walker, A’Lelia Bundles, delivered an address at the official opening ceremony Wednesday, March 15, in the Keathley University Center Theater. “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business” is the theme of this year’s observance. In conjunction with the theme, buttons will be distributed across campus bearing the likeness of Madam C.J. Walker, the hair products magnate who was hailed as the first self-made African-American millionaire in the country in the early 20th century.

Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, author and journalist Bundles has written biographies of Madam C.J. Walker and is a former producer for NBC News and a former producer and executive for ABC News. She maintains the Madam Walker Family Archives and serves as a consultant and historical adviser for Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture, a line of hair care products developed by Sunline Brands. During the March 15 ceremony, six women received awards from the MTSU National Women’s History Month Committee for their trailblazing work. Here’s a recap:

Read the full story at http://www.mtsunews.com/mtsu-nwhm-2017/.

— Video by Sarah Mustian