Walker, A'Lelia (1885–1931)

views updated

Walker, A'Lelia (1885–1931)

African-American hostess and literary patron. Name variations: Lelia Walker (changed her name to A'Lelia as an adult). Born Lelia McWilliams in Vicksburg, Mississippi, June 6, 1885; died in Long Branch, New Jersey, Aug 1931; dau. of Sarah (Breedlove) McWilliams (the future Madame C. J Walker) and Moses (Jeff) McWilliams (laborer); graduate of Knoxville College in Tennessee; m. a man named Robinson, c. 1905 (div. 1914); m. Wiley Wilson (physician), 1919 (div. 1923); m. James Arthur Kennedy (physician, div.); children: (adopted during 1st marriage) Mae Walker Robinson.

Heiress, hostess and literary patron whose social gatherings brought together some of the most colorful figures of the Harlem Renaissance; dau. of Madame C. J. Walker, was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana; arrived in New York City to manage the Walker Corporation's Harlem headquarters (1914); mother died (1919); opened the Dark Tower, a literary and artistic salon in her New York townhouse (1928).

See also Women in World History.

About this article

Walker, A'Lelia (1885–1931)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article