A Banker for the Community

Raise your hand if I introduced you to Maggie (Lena Mitchell) Walker! And if I haven’t, this is the post where you can learn about the community builder, banker, and force with which to be reckoned. If you ever find yourself in (or near) Richmond, Virginia, her house is worth a visit, now the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site.

Maggie was a bedrock of her community in Richmond, anchored in her church and spiritual community. Out of her desire to contribute to her community and ensure ongoing social structures, especially for women, Maggie became the first African American woman to found a bank, the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank.

I first saw Maggie’s house and the National Park site when I lived in Richmond for a short time after college and worked as a banker. I was impressed by her community involvement, drive, and ability to connect people to resources.

As a bastion of the Confederacy, Maggie’s presence and work in Richmond contributed to the wellbeing of the Black community. She was active civically, giving more of her time, voice, and talents. The legacy Maggie left is a reason to celebrate her and the community she loved.