It would be hard to list Indianapolis’ historic sites without mentioning the Madam Walker Legacy Center. The nearly 100-year-old building was a project of America’s first self-made female millionaire, hair product mogul Madam CJ Walker. Currently, the building is undergoing renovations. Among the plethora of physical updates, one of the most excited changes is the center will have a new a full-time director, Judith B Thomas.
Thomas was director of convention services at Visit Indy, where she worked for 13 years, before accepting the top spot at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. During her time at Visit Indy, Thomas got to know the important venues, restaurants and services but also, more importantly, the people behind those businesses. She also honed her skills in and networking. All of which are relevant skills to her new position. As director of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, Thomas will plan events, work with many different parties at once and be familiar with the center’s inner workings.
Thomas applied to the position because of her admiration for both Madam Walker and the organization that shares her name. She particularly appreciates Madam Walker’s success as both a social activist and an entrepreneur.
As for the building and organization itself, Thomas notes how it is a good extension of Madam Walker’s legacy.
“It’s the entrepreneurial spirit of one woman who overcame obstacles, and her story tells us that all of us can do the same if we work hard enough,” Thomas said.
Over the short term, Thomas looks forward to immersing herself in her new work environment and learning what makes the Madam Walker Center tick.
“I’m looking forward to that because I’m one who likes to study a little bit,” Thomas said.
By fall 2019, renovations will be finished, and the Madam Walker Center will begin a new round of events under its new leadership. Kristian Little Stricklen, Madam Walker Legacy Center board member, notes how the renovation allows time to make the change of leadership smooth.
“The goal is when the building opens back up the programing that she’ll (Thomas) have the time to start develop will kick off when we walk back in,” Stricklen said.
For the long term, Thomas wants to follow the model of the Smithsonian’s African-American History Museum and reach out to everyday people for stories and artifacts. Thomas also hopes the center will continue reminding community members of the past while keeping them excited for the future.
“They were drawn to the Walker because of that historic pull, that feel, the sentiment of nostalgia [and] the way things used to be, but now it’s about going to happen and what can be,” Thomas said.
Meanwhile, the board is equally excited to work with Thomas.
“We had over 100 candidates apply, and she absolutely by far was the best option,” Stricklen said.
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar
Judith B Thomas
