Please find a blog post by A'Lelia Bundles, the great great granddaughter and biographer of historic figure and our namesake Madam C. J. Walker. I love Black History Month because I learn something new every day! The truth is, I’m immersed in black history every day, week and month of every year, but in February it feels as if I have lots of company. It seems that every where I turn, there are websites, blogs, television networks, radio programs and lectures all celebrating the fascinating people I love to study.

As a student in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program, I had the opportunity to explore the depths of the MWTC basement with two fellow classmates where, in the former “Coffee Pot” restaurant, we re-discovered boxes filled with Madam’s advertisement print blocks. When I saw each one I realized I was looking at Madame’s passion for promotion in one of its rawest forms: copper, zinc, and lead giving life to the company’s promises of great hair and clear skin. Madam was an inspiration to the black community and it was the company’s advertising that brought that inspiration to the masses.

Today’s post is by Stephanie Hebda. The first time I stepped foot inside the Madame Walker Theater Center museum I was immediately drawn to a black piano sitting against the wall in the back room. As a piano player since the age of 5, I have always been fascinated by musical instruments, especially those with some history.

Today’s post is by Kate Massman. The story of Madame C.J. Walker and her success can be told through the objects within the Madame C.J. Walker Museum. Objects, unlike text, can offer a physical look into the life a remarkable woman. One can walk through the exhibits and learn about the life and company of a self-made woman, who helped countless women start off on their own. This tale is told through tins of hair product, curling irons, images, and numerous other objects.

Today’s post is by Jennie Rigsby. Madame Walker revolutionized the way African American did business in the 20th Century. It would only seem fitting that the incredible woman she was, was able to push the boundaries of business further than any African American male or female had ever done before her. When I first began this project at the Madame Walker Theatre I was not familiar with her story. However as this project has progressed throughout the semester I have become more and more inspired by what she was able to accomplish.

Today’s post is by Stephanie Michaels. When I first began thinking about how I would talk about the Madam C.J. Walker Commemorative stamp I realized that endless questions began to arise. How was Madam Walker chosen? Who decided what picture went on the stamp? What is the history of this well-known photo? Who took it?

This is blog post is part of a series written by graduate students in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. They have spent this semester surveying, documenting, and researching the collection of artworks and artifacts at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, for more info go here: /blog/mwtc-partners-with-iupui-museum-studies-class. Today’s post is by Jake Sheff

*Ed. Note: This blog post is part of a series written by graduate students in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. They have spent this semester surveying, documenting, and researching the collection of artworks and artifacts at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, for more info go here: /blog/mwtc-partners-with-iupui-museum-studies-class. Today’s post is by Megan Geurts During our time at the theater we found an abundance of historic artifacts, such as old advertising print blocks, but one of the most interesting pieces to me was Will Watsons mural.

*Ed. Note: This blog post is part of a series written by graduate students in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. They have spent this semester surveying, documenting, and researching the collection of artworks and artifacts at the Madame Walker Theatre Center, for more info go here: /blog/mwtc-partners-with-iupui-museum-studies-class. Today’s post is by Mike Barclay In addition to looking at the individual objects at the Walker, we are examining the building’s collection of artifacts and artwork, interior and exterior design, and the surrounding neighborhood’s history and presence in the city of Indianapolis.

Madame C. J. Walker was among the inaugural class of ten famous Hoosiers honored with Legacy Awards on Friday, March 2nd at 10 a.m., at the intersection of Capital and Georgia Streets. The staff and Board of Directors at the Madame Walker Theatre Center are thrilled to have their namesake, Madame C. J. Walker included among the initial Legacy Award recipients. “Our family is honored to have Madame Walker standing alongside such an iconic and inspirational group of Hoosiers,” said A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter and biographer. Ms. Bundles spoke at the unveiling.

Thirteen Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) students will participate in a semester-long graduate-level class at the Madame Walker Theatre Center this spring. This course, offered through the IUPUI Museum Studies Program (http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/mstd/) is designed to document, preserve, and research the historic and artistic materials contained within this National Historic Landmark (http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/walkerbuilding.html). . Led by IUPUI adjunct instructor, Richard McCoy(http://www.imamuseum.org/art/conservation), who is an art conservator at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and assisted by graduate student Deanna Cundiff, students in the class will be creating a database that holds information about items of historic significance at the Walker and providing long-term preservation recommendations.

The Madame Walker Theatre Center has a TON going on for the big game!! As an official Super Celebration Site we are expecting a ton of visitors. Here are the NINE big things to do at the Walker during Superbowl. Pick AT LEAST one and be here! Can't wait to show off our newly painted ballroom and welcome visitors to our awesome city! 1. Soul Food Friday with Kountry Kitchen, sponsored by IRT and Yelp, 1/27 2. Jazz on the Avenue with Sandy Lomax and Grants Catering, 1/27 3. Super BOLD Battle of the Bands, 1/27 4. Super Soul Celebration Tribute to Vandross, Gaye and Hyman, 1/28 5. Super Blue Moon Sunday sponsored by Sun King Beer, 1/29 6. Madam's Movie showing The Josephine Baker Story, 1/31 7. Greek Night at the Walker with the Loud Pack Show and DJ DayDay, 2/1 8. DMC Concert with Tasha Jones and Micheal Blackson, 2/3 9. Daily Tours! Call us at 317-236-2099 to schedule a tour, ask questions or buy tickets!

The Madame Walker Theatre Center has officially completed its 2011 Season with the finale of Black Nativity - the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway show by Langston Hughes. The stageplay, direceted by Sherri Brown Webster boasted 3 packed performances this weekend in the historic theatre. With a lively cast and 9 local pastors representing their congregations, the weekend abounded in laughs and soulful singing. The event was sponsored by IUPUI, Key Bank and FedEx. A huge thanks to the cast for donating their time, for the Northside New Era musicians and Rev. Gregory Squires. Thanks to Deidre Coleman, every volunteer, every stage hand and every tech! What a great way to end the year. Looking for the names of the cast? See some of Indianapolis' up and coming artists here: Anthony, Terica (Soloist/Ensemble) Brewer, Jaila (Soloist/Ensemble) Davis, Ro (Ensemble) Dunn, Karen (Soloist/Ensemble) Faison Jr., Carlton (Joseph/ Shepherd Boy /Ensemble) Harden, Ja’Nia (Soloist/Ensemble) Johnson, Stephen (Ensemble/Shepherd Boy) McCloud, Bettina (Ensemble) Miller, Kealy (Ensemble) Payton, Temara (Narrator/ Ensemble) Reid, Linda (Soloist/Ensemble) Shelton, Rev. Anthony (Voice Over Narration) Veasey, Komoca (Mary/Ensemble) Walker, Nadine (Soloist/Ensemble) Wright, Aaron (Shepherd Boy/Ensemble)

A'Lelia Bundles, Madam Walker's great-great-granddaughter and biographer, was in Indianapolis recently to help promote the upcoming November 10th performance of the Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Madame Walker Theatre Center (MWTC), where she is a board member. Visit www.walkertheatre.com for tickets. Click the link to watch the segment! http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/indy_style/in_indy_now/descendent-of-madam-cj-walker

Plié. Grand Jeté. Pirouette. Arabesque. These are all terms I learned as a young girl studying ballet in Springfield, Illinois. My teacher was a very short German lady named Dorothy Irvine, and she taught strict Checchetti technique. I was in my first real ballet company by age 11 and, like so many other young girls my age, I lived to dance! I went on to study dance education and dance history in college and I still get excited when I see ballet performances, from beginners to professional dancers. I am certainly feeling the excitement right now, as The Madame Walker Theatre Center presents the DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM ENSEMBLE on November 10th & 11th!!! Here’s the schedule: • Thursday, November 10th from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Free panel discussion on “The Dancer’s Body” with representatives from the Indianapolis dance community • Thursday, November 10th at 7:30 p.m. Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble Performance (Tickets available at www.walkertheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.com) • Friday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m., the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble Student Matinee; Cost is $2.50 per student and, schools are encouraged to attend (Email your RSVP to rsvp@walkertheatre.com) • Friday, November 11th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Ballet Master Keith Sanders will teach a Master Class for intermediate to advanced ballet dancers; Cost is $15 per dancer. (Email your RSVP to rsvp@walkertheatre.com) So……Bourrée yourself on over to The Madame Walker Theatre Center. We want to keep you on your toes!!! Dr. Terry Whitt Bailey President & CEO

On Friday, September 16th, Freda Payne graced Indianapolis with her presence at the Madame Walker Theatre Center as part of the week of activities for the Indy Jazz Fest. In a fabulous gold-sequined gown, Payne showed us that she still has the look and the talent. With just a piano, drums and a bass to accompany her vocal instrument, Payne paid tribute to such legends as Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald while singing some of her personal hits as well. Payne started the evening off with her “Lost in Love” single, scatting her way to the finish. Listeners went on a journey through time while Payne shared her story of meeting Lena Horne in her early twenties through Walter Winchell (a famed news reporter at the time). We began at the Coconut Grove, a then-bustling club in Los Angeles where we heard such classics as “Love” and “The Lady Is a Tramp,” just to name a few. Read the rest of the review (with images) here! http://melofinity.blogspot.com/2011/09/freda-payne-legend.html

We are so appreciative of the comments and energy that is being generated on behalf of Madame C.J. Walker and her legacy. As the President & CEO of The Madame Walker Theatre Center, I can assure you that our mission intentionally goes beyond hair care & production. With the help of a strong Board of Directors, we have built upon the entrepreneurial and philanthropic legacy of Madame Walker by celebrating a wide array of cultural, educational, and performing arts in our beautiful historic building. Just this month alone, The Walker will welcome living legend Freda Payne (September 16); Indy’s own opera diva Angela Brown (September 22); and gospel great Deitrick Haddon (September 30). Other upcoming events that are sure to satisfy Central Indiana are: Feel the Dream Tour – Michael Jackson Tribute (October 22); Dance Theatre of Harlem (November 10); and actor, filmmaker, comedian John Waters (November 12). Check out our Website for many more events and activities (www.walkertheatre.com) or follow us on Twitter (@walkertheatre). We thank you again for your interest in Madame C.J. Walker and The Madame Walker Theatre Center! Dr. Terry Whitt Bailey, President & CEO twbailey@walkertheatre.com 317-236-2099

What an awesome summer we have enjoyed! Not that it's over but Fall is certainly knocking on our back doors. We've have quite the ride the past few months with the opening of our exhibition space The Lobby, with the Bilal and Tye Tribbett concerts (read the awesome Nuvo review here), continued success at Jazz on the Avenue and with a completely packed house at Blue Moon Sunday last night! Summer, we have enjoyed you but we're ready for the next season ahead. Join us for a full line-up from Freda Payne's Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald on September 16th through the Black Nativity on December 16th. Keep our calendar bookmarked - there is ALWAYS something going at the Walker!

The Madame Walker Theatre Center will hold open auditions for actors, dancers, and singers ages 16-65 for its production of Black Nativity. This is a Non-Union Production. 8 male and 10 female singing roles in the 20-60 age range; 8 dancing roles in 16-30 range; and 2 male non-singing roles in the 40-65 range are needed. Please be prepared to perform a 1-2 minute monologue, song or choreographed dance routine. Please bring resume, head shot and sheet music. Dancers please come in dance attire. Black Nativity is a lively production that tells the powerful story of the birth of Jesus Christ through rousing gospel music, dance and the inspiring poetry of celebrated African-American writer Langston Hughes. The stage production will run December 16-18, 2011 at the Madame Walker Theatre Center. Audition Dates are: Monday 8/29 and Tuesday 8/30 (6-9p) with Callbacks on Saturday 9/10 (10a-2pm). For More information about the auditions, call 317-236-2099 ext. 2003 or email info@walkertheatre.com.

As you know, we recently announced our 2011 cultural arts season. It's pretty awesome. And pretty diverse. We've got a bit of everything for every one. There has to be SOMETHING you'd enjoy at the Walker between now and December. Last Friday we kicked things off with a concert by neo-soul artist Bilal, oh boy what a fantastic show it was!!! This Saturday we fill the theatre with fans of Tye Tribbett, famed gospel artist. Thank you so much for your support of our season! Check out Nuvo's review of the first show. http://www.nuvo.net/MusicBlog/archives/2011/08/16/review-bilal-at-madame-walker

Thousands upon thousands of people are pouring into our city for the Centennial Celebration of Kappa Alpha Psi. We are pumped and getting the space ready for some new and exciting events. Since the Kappa's are into history and Indiana, we have a special offer just for centennial week..

Like most things, an upgrade/touch-up is necessary. Your house needs some upkeep, a few trips to a mechanic for servicing is a mandate, your gadgets are renewed etc. The Walker deserves some of that treatment too! Thanks to our friends at Sherwin Williams, our 4th floor lobby is looking pretty spiffy.

We are so appreciative of Indianapolis for the overwhelming support of our 6th Annual Entrepreneurial Awards Luncheon. The Madame Walker Theatre Center honored Mr. Walter Blackburn and Mr. Robin Winston at our luncheon that over 240 supporters attended!!

“April showers bring May flowers” eh? We’ll take the flowers but there’s not a rainy day inside of The Historic Madame Walker Theatre Center! The month of April is jam packed with amazing events! We strive to create never-ending excitement with each happening here at our beloved facility.

Our beloved Mad. C.J. Walker was a businesswoman; a hair-care entrepreneur. She is most known for her work with beauty and hair-care products for women of color. Born Sarah Breedlove, she was determined and made amazing use of her life.

The question "What is the Walker doing for Black History Month?" kind of stumped me at first. I thought to myself 'well, nothing we don't do all year long...' Here at the MWTC we celebrate African-American art and artists all year long.

In the early 20s and well into the 60s, "The Walker" was the place to be. Opening in 1927, the Madame C.J. Walker Theatre proved to be the epitome of what catered to an individuals wants and needs.

You may not have known that the Walker was once a movie house and home to big films and "talkies" in the late 20's through the 50's. This was at a time when African Americans couldn't buy tickets at other shows in Indianapolis. So starting in April we'll again show movies! We've named this program FLIX and are taking submissions until this Friday, Jan. 30. Find the official guidelines on our site at www.walkertheatre.com/get-involved.

A couple of weeks after I started my journey at the Walker, the Director of Rentals and Events joined our team; Sherri Brown Webster. Sherri came in like a beam of light, happy and eager to work. "We have to get things hoppin' and poppin' at the Walker again, Mali" she said. First, I wondered where she was from to have used "hopping" and wasn't exactly sure what she meant...

It's 2:34am on Thursday, September 29th and we're in the middle of our 24 Hour Web Project, courtesy of SmallBox.