Madam C.J. Walker: The Black Woman Who Drove the Future—Literally

by A. Alamia

​In the early 1900s, when racism and patriarchy worked overtime to keep Black women in the margins, one woman surged ahead, powered by brilliance, determination, and yes... electricity. Madam C.J. Walker wasn’t just America’s first self-made female millionaire. She was a force. A visionary. A Black woman who claimed her space, her power, and her place on the road—behind the wheel of an electric car.

​Wait—She Owned an Electric Vehicle?

​Yes, she did. It’s more than rumor—it’s a part of the canon of history on wheels. Madam C.J. Walker owned a Waverley electric automobile, a sleek, silent symbol of innovation manufactured right in her hometown of Indianapolis. At a time when electric vehicles were rare, experimental, and mostly reserved for the ultra-wealthy, she showed “up” and “out”—driving her Waverley through city streets, commanding attention and respect.

Electric. Elegant. Empowered.

​To put it in perspective: In the early 1910s, only about 34,000 electric vehicles were on the road in the entire United States, compared to over three (3) million EVs today. For a woman--a Black woman—to own one then? Revolutionary doesn’t even begin to cover it

​Electric. Elegant. Empowered.

​The Waverley Company was known for designing electric cars fit for high society. That society, of course, rarely included African Americans—especially not Black women. But Madam Walker didn’t wait for permission. She didn’t just purchase the car--she drove it herself. In an era when women were told to ride side-saddle in life, she took the wheel with poise and purpose.

​A Legacy Fueled by Vision

Madame CJ Walker showed "up" and "out" driving her Waverly through the city's streets.

​Owning and driving an electric car wasn’t just a flex; it was a glimpse into the future. Madam Walker’s choices weren’t accidental. She built a beauty empire while aligning with values that are still shaping our world today—innovation, independence, and sustainability. Long before the clean energy movement made headlines, she was living the message: Black women belong at the forefront of progress.

​This blog post is more than the history of electric vehicles—it is the untold story of Black women in clean energy, mobility, and wealth creation. It’s about visibility. It’s about power.

​Today’s Lessons from Yesterday’s Drive

​Madam C.J. Walker’s story isn’t just a tale of success—it’s a blueprint. In a world where EVs are once again making headlines and equity in clean energy is finally getting the spotlight, her legacy reminds us that black women have always been innovators, disruptors, and trailblazers.

So the next time you see someone driving an electric vehicle, remember who drove one first: Madam C.J. Walker. In heels. With grace. And a whole lot of power.

Then ask yourself: Who’s driving the future now? And how are we making room for them on the road?

Until next time, my fellow climate fighters: stay charged and fearless, and never forget: the future is ours to drive.