PEORIA, Ill. – Local and state proclamations helped celebrate the 159th birthday of Annie Malone.
Malone became one of the nation’s first black female millionaires of the 29th century. A birthday celebration took place Saturday at the main branch of the Peoria Public Library.
Malone was born in Metropolis, Illinois and later moved to Peoria where she graduated from Peoria High School.
Malone started a cosmetology school and developed her own hair products eventually employing 75,000 people.
Malone’s great-grand-nephew Agbara Bryson told 25 News the family does not want Malone to be overshadowed by Madam C-J Walker. Walker started her career working for Malone before becoming a business owner of her own.
“We want the pass the legacy and tell the truth about Annie Malone,” Bryson said. “Both women were great, and they both achieved millionaire status. But we want to celebrate Annie Malone and the roots here in Peoria.”
Annie Malone died in 1957 at the age of 87.
There is an annual Annie Malone May Day Parade in downtown St. Louis in support of children’s charities.
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