Descendant of Madam C.J. Walker Speaks at Salon Perry Grand Opening

On February 7, 2022, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Division of Pittsburgh Public Schools will host the grand opening of Salon Perry, the cosmetology program’s brand new learning space at Pittsburgh Perry. 

A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-grand-daughter and biographer of cosmetics industry pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, will be the special guest speaker for the event.  Ms. Bundles’ presentation will be virtual.

Ms. Bundles is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker.”  This biography served as the basis for the Netflix limited series, “Self Made,” starring Octavia Spencer and Blair Underwood.  Madam Walker was not only the first female self-made millionaire in America, but also a noted philanthropist and social activist. 

The cosmetology students at Pittsburgh Perry and Pittsburgh Westinghouse will receive autographed copies of the book, which will also be used in lessons to help the students further develop their literacy skills.

The Grand Opening program includes remarks from Interim Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters, Perry Principal Dr. Robert Frioni, and CTE Executive Director Angela Mike, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the fully-functional, licensed salon.

According to Angela Mike, “This new lab represents a fresh start for the Cosmetology program. Salon owners from across the City of Pittsburgh will be on hand to signal their commitment to engage with and support the next generation of cosmetologists and cosmetic entrepreneurs at both Perry and Westinghouse.”

Due to COVID concerns, the in-person audience for this program will be limited to invited guests. The event will be streamed to the general public via the link below.

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