‘Self Made’: Everything to know about the life of Madam C.J. Walker
Films and shows on self-made titans are always inspiring and a great motivator for many. It shows us that with some hard work and determination, success can be achieved despite the hardships that history and society can put us through. No other self-made icon displays this better than Madam C.J. Walker.
Walker was the first African American female self-made millionaire and a titan in the haircare world. Her story is highlighted by her views and values, which are Grit, Moxy, and a Whole Lotta Hustle, which allowed her to climb the many ladders she faced during her career.
Now, her story is being told by Netflix, who announced the release date and official title for a limited series on Walker two days ago. Here is everything we know about this new must-see story.
1. Time to hustle
The limited series is set to debut on Netflix on March 20th, 2020, with the official title being Kevin Carroll . Along with this news, a set of new first-look photos have been widely released, showcasing the absolute beauty of the new series that goes with the inspiring story perfectly.
The series is inspired by the book, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, which was written by Walker’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, showcasing this story on the big screen for the first time and allowing her legacy to reach new heights.
2. Meet the team
The cast and writers for this series is one that can definitely bring some moxy to the show. Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer is cast as both the title role of Walker and is set to be an executive producer on the show along with Janine Sherman Barrois, Elle Johnson, Maverick Carter, LeBron James, Mark Holder, Christine Holder, Kasi Lemmons, and Jamal Henderson.
Along with Spencer, the cast includes Blair Underwood as her husband C.J. Walker, Tiffany Haddish as her daughter Lelia, Carmen Ejogo as Walker’s business rival Addie Munroe, Garrett Morris as Walker’s father-in-law, Kevin Carroll as her longtime lawyer Freeman Ransom and Bill Bellamy as Ransom’s cousin Sweetness.
The series is being produced by SpringHill Entertainment and Wonder Street in association with Warner Bros. It will be helmed by co-showrunners Elle Johnson & Janine Sherman Barrois, along with writer and co-executive producer Nicole Jefferson Asher and directed by dynamic duo Kasi Lemmons and DeMane Davis. In short, a team that can bring this story to life in the way it deserves while also giving us more of the people we love to see on screen.
3. Fighting the good fight
Walker’s story not only focuses on her own personal journey but also on the struggles she endured from society, some of which are still being endured by others today.
Walker had to fight against post-war slavery biases in regards to both race and gender while also struggling against personal betrayals and business rivalries to create the brand the revolutionalized black haircare and also pushed social change during a time where change seemed impossible.
Her trailblazing actions and her success allows her to stand as an example during a time where change, once again, seems impossible.
The show promises to not only showcase the actors we love in yet another on-screen masterpiece but also showcase how those three simple values Walker had can get anyone through the worst times and open doors few thought could be opened in times of uncertainty and fear. It is a show worth binging and we at Film Daily cannot wait to see this story unfold for the first time.
