Annie Turnbo Malone: A Black History Lesson in Growth and Legacy

I didn’t blog in January—and instead of rushing past that, I’m using February to reset with intention. Black History Month is the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve built, and how we grow forward.

This month’s focus is past and present growth: learning from Black trailblazers whose work still teaches us how to move today. Not just famous names—but impactful ones.

Let’s start with someone influential, foundational, and still under recognized.

Black History Month and the Importance of Growth

Black History Month is more than remembrance—its reflection and application. Understanding the past helps us identify patterns, strategies, and lessons that still matter today.

One of the most powerful lessons we can learn is how growth becomes meaningful when it extends beyond ourselves. Let’s talk about Annie Turnbo Malone.

Who Was Annie Turnbo Malone?

Annie Turnbo Malone (1869–1957) was one of the first Black female millionaires in the United States and a pioneer in the Black hair-care industry. That’s girl power before the term existed!!

At a time when Black women were excluded from mainstream beauty markets, Malone created products focused on hair health and care, not damage—changing how Black beauty was approached both culturally and economically.

Annie Turnbo Malone’s Business Impact

Annie Turnbo Malone didn’t just create products—she created opportunity.

She built a nationwide network of trained Black women sales agents and provided:

• Business education
• Skill development
• Economic independence

One of the women she mentored and employed was Madam C.J. Walker, whose later success was shaped by the foundation Annie helped build.

Lessons from Annie Turnbo Malone We Can Apply Today

Annie Turnbo Malone understood a truth that remains relevant:

Growth becomes legacy when it creates opportunity for others.

She focused on building systems instead of shortcuts and community instead of competition. Her success reminds us that real progress isn’t just visible—it’s sustainable.

Growth as a Shared Responsibility

In today’s culture of individual success, Annie’s story challenges us to ask:

• Who are we lifting as we climb?
• What systems are we building that last beyond us?
• Is our legacy going to be what we did for ourselves, or what we did to help others?

Growth rooted in community leaves a longer impact than success pursued alone.

Black History Month Call to Action

This month, commit to one small action that helps someone else grow—without expecting recognition.

Examples include:

• Sharing knowledge or resources
• Making an introduction
• Recommending someone for an opportunity
• Offering encouragement privately

Small actions create lasting memories—and quiet legacies.

Who We’re Highlighting Next

We are highlighting black people who are not recognized enough for Black History Month. Next, we will talk about Marie Van Brittan Brown, the Black woman whose invention helped shape modern home security systems and still impacts millions of households today.

Her name isn’t widely known—but her influence is everywhere.

Let’s Reflect and Talk

1. Why do you think Annie Turnbo Malone’s contributions are often overlooked in Black history?
2. Should success come with responsibility to help others grow? Why or why not?
3. What is one small action you can take this month to positively impact someone else?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.