Book review of Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black women’s philanthropy during Jim Crow by Tyrone McKinley Freeman.

This book explodes the narrow definition of philanthropy as something only rich white people do.

“I am unlike your white friends who have waited until they were rich and then help but have in proportion to my success, I have reached out and am helping others.” Madam C.J. Walker.[1] So begins this excellent book on Madam C.J. Walker’s life of generosity.

Walker and other black female philanthropists didn’t help only when they had free time or extra money; they always helped. Consistency. Walker was consistent in her giving, from when she had little to when she was wealthy.

Walker provides an excellent role model for generosity. I’m grateful to Tyrone McKinley Freeman for telling her story so well.

“I am unlike your white friends who have waited until they were rich and then help but have in proportion to my success, I have reached out and am helping others.” Madam C.J. Walker.[1] So begins this excellent book on Madam C.J. Walker’s life of generosity.

Walker and other black female philanthropists didn’t help only when they had free time or extra money; they always helped. Consistency. Walker was consistent in her giving, from when she had little to when she was wealthy.

Walker provides an excellent role model for generosity and breaks out of the narrow definition that philanthropy is something rich white people do. I’m grateful to Tyrone McKinley Freeman for telling her story so well.