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Date: June 30, 2008
Contact: Mike Andrus, 804 226-1981 x. 30
Contact: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, 804 771-2017, x. 24

A special celebration to commemorate Maggie L. Walker’s 144th birthday will be held at 1:30 pm on July 12, 2008, at the Sharon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 22 E. Leigh St. There will be a reception immediately following at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, located at 600 North 2nd Street, one block away.

This year’s celebration will focus on Mrs. Walker’s legacy of inspiration and her lifetime commitment to Richmond’s African American community. At 1:30 pm there will be a photo presentation on the history of the St. Luke Hall, built in 1903 and still standing on St. James Street. A discussion follows on Mrs. Walker and the “Lily Black” Republicans in the 1921 Virginia election. The program concludes with contemporary testimonials to Mrs. Walker, first read in 1924 on the occasion of her 25th anniversary as Right Worthy Grand Secretary-Treasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke. Immediately after the program the celebration continues at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Visitor Center where birthday cake will be served and guided tours of her restored home given until 5:00 pm.

In 1899 Maggie Lena Walker became Right Worthy Grand Secretary-Treasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke. Under her direction the Order became a nationwide institution which operated a department store, a newspaper and the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, which continues today as the Consolidated Bank and Trust.

This event is free. Please call 771-2017, x. 24 for more information.