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    Maggie Lena Walker
    Financial Leaders

    Maggie Lena Walker

    1864–1934

    First Black woman to charter a bank in the United States.

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    Biography

    Maggie Lena Walker was an American businesswoman and teacher. She was the first Black woman to charter a bank in the United States, the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank.

    Key Achievements

    1

    First Black woman to charter a bank in the U.S.

    2

    Founded St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903

    3

    Led the Independent Order of St. Luke

    4

    Published a newspaper, the St. Luke Herald

    Legacy & Impact

    Walker created financial institutions that served the Black community when mainstream banks would not, empowering economic independence.

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