Annie Malone went on to become a pioneering African American businesswoman, philanthropist, and one of the earliest Black female millionaires in America. Born in 1877, she established Poro College, a school devoted to beauty and cosmetology that provided Black women with educational and economic opportunities. Her groundbreaking hair care products, such as a scalp treatment to promote hair growth, transformed the African American beauty market. Malone also charitably donated to charities, schools, and historically Black colleges, leaving a legacy of empowerment and success.
Despite facing competition and losses, Annie Malone was dedicated to improving Black communities. She employed thousands of African American women as sales agents for her Poro beauty products, giving them financial freedom when opportunities were scarce.
Her charitable work stretched outside the business realm, supporting orphanages, schools, and community organizations. Malone’s legacy in the beauty industry and as an African American entrepreneur set an example for future pioneers such as Madam C.J. Walker, thereby cementing her legacy in history as a trailblazing leader and promoting economic empowerment.
