Maggie L. Walker
Photo Credit: Encyclopedia Virginia
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Maggie L. Walker
Maggie Lena Mitchell was born on July 15, 1864, in the city of Richmond, on the Van Lew estate. Maggie Lena Mitchell’s mother, Elizabeth Draper, was a former enslaved woman who worked as a cook for Elizabeth Van Lew, an abolitionist and spy for the Union during the American Civil War. In the 1870s, young Maggie attended the newly-formed Richmond Public Schools, and graduated in 1883. She married Armstead Walker Jr. on September 14, 1886, and they had three sons.
Maggie Lena Mitchell Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities, her successes and vision offered tangible improvements in the way of life for African Americans and women. A wheelchair user later in life, Ms. Walker also became an example for people with disabilities.
Maggie L. Walker established or led several institutions dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of Black people, including the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal society dedicated to fostering economic independence. Ms. Walker joined the Order at the age of 14 and, by 1899, had worked her way up to the top leadership position of Right Worthy Grand Secretary. Through her leadership and sound financial policies, the Order added new members and councils/chapters throughout the country.
In 1902, Ms. Walker began publication of The St. Luke Herald, a newspaper to spread the message of the Independent Order of St. Luke to the public. Ms. Walker. The following year, she founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, the first bank to be chartered by a Black woman in the United States. Ms. Walker served as the bank’s president, and by 1924, the Penny Savings Bank had spread to other parts of Virginia and included more than 50,000 members. While many other banks folded during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Penny Savings Bank survived.
In addition to her work with the Independent Order of St. Luke, Maggie L. Walker held leadership positions in civic organizations such as the National Association of Colored Women (NACW). She also served as the Vice President of the Richmond chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Maggie L. Walker died on December 15, 1934, and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in the city of Richmond.
Designation Area:
The portion of 00, 100, and 200 blocks of the south side of West Broad Street has been given the honorary designation of Maggie L. Walker Way.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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