Final answer:
Madam C J Walker's main ideas were about self-determination, economic empowerment, and racial advancement within the African American community, emphasizing the importance of Black business ownership and self-reliance without government aid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea of Madam C J Walker was centered around self-determination, economic empowerment, and racial advancement within the African American community. Madam C J Walker, a notable figure in history, was not only the first female self-made millionaire in America by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women, but she also embodied the spirit of the 'bootstraps' work ethic, advocating self-help and the importance of African Americans owning businesses and property. Walker's successful business endeavors were part of a broader move to secure economic independence and build a strong foundation for black communities during a time when racial inequalities and segregation were pervasive.
Conservative Values and Self-Help
Madam C J Walker's perspective aligned with a conservative philosophy that stressed the importance of Black business ownership and opposed reliance on government assistance. Her belief in self-reliance and entrepreneurship as means of empowerment for the black community mirrored the approaches of other conservative Black women during the civil rights era, such as Cora T. Walker and Jewel Rogers-Lafontant. These women strongly emphasized Black autonomy and underscored the need for personal and communal economic development separate from state intervention or support.
Advocacy and Activism
Walker's advocacy extended beyond the business realm, as she also engaged in activism. Her initiatives, like the creation of the first Black-owned supermarket in Harlem, served as a model and an inspirational force, epitomizing Walker's belief in community self-sufficiency and the critical role of local ownership. Her work and ideology were part of a rich tapestry of Black conservative thoughts during a transformative period in American history.