Two Indianapolis icons Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Mike Epps are bringing their star power back home to amplify a historic mission of Black excellence and entrepreneurship
The homecoming announcement everyone’s talking about
The Madam Walker Legacy Center just made headlines with powerhouse additions to its board: Grammy-winning music legend Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and beloved comedian-actor Mike Epps. Both Indianapolis natives are stepping into leadership roles at the venue that honors America’s first self-made female millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker.
The Madam Walker Legacy Center board is committed to preserving the rich history of Madam C.J. Walker while fostering new generations of entrepreneurs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Babyface and Mike Epps to the board,” shared Board Chair Nicole Wilson. “Their influence and commitment to Indianapolis will help us amplify our mission on a national scale.”
This isn’t just about adding famous names to letterhead. Both stars bring deep Indianapolis roots and genuine commitment to the Center’s mission of cultural preservation, entrepreneurship education, and community empowerment.
The influence of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board will surely extend beyond Indianapolis, showcasing the importance of legacy and empowerment in communities everywhere.
So, what makes this such a big deal?
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The Madam Walker Legacy Center sits at the intersection of historical preservation and modern-day economic empowerment—exactly where celebrities with business savvy and community connections can make the biggest impact.
The significance of having the Madam Walker Legacy Center board made up of such influential figures cannot be overstated; it creates a direct link to the community.
Research from Rutgers University reveals that “celebrities also offer a credibility signal to donors, which is especially important for nonprofit organizations.” But this goes deeper than fundraising. As Rutgers professor Erica Harris explains, “A brand that is able to break through the clutter of marketing messages by being associated with a well-known, attractive, and sometimes expert endorser is typically perceived to be more credible and more likable.”
Center President Kristian Stricklen put it perfectly: “Having these two icons’ involvement is a testament to the power of legacy and hometown pride. With their support, we aim to attract more visitors to Indianapolis and solidify the Walker as a national landmark for Black excellence and innovation.”
The Madam Walker Legacy Center board members embody the spirit of entrepreneurship that Madam Walker herself championed throughout her life.
The powerhouse duo bringing serious credentials
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds isn’t just a 13-time Grammy winner—he’s a business mastermind who understands the intersection of creativity and commerce. He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of being the only music producer to win Producer of the Year four times – three of those wins occurring consecutively. His connection to the Center runs deep: In 2022, he headlined the MWLC’s 95th anniversary celebration and was inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame.
His role on the Madam Walker Legacy Center board reinforces the importance of community engagement and leadership in the arts.
Mike Epps brings his own unique value proposition. The Indianapolis-born entertainer has earned multiple NAACP Image Awards, including wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor in both television and Film. More importantly, He was the first person inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame in 2021, while filming his Netflix special “Indiana Mike,” which took place in the historic Walker Theatre.
Epps’ induction into the Madam Walker Legacy Center board serves as an inspiration to aspiring entertainers and entrepreneurs alike.
What Madam C.J. Walker’s story teaches today’s entrepreneurs
Walker’s rise from laundress earning $1.50 a day to America’s first female self-made millionaire offers timeless business lessons that feel incredibly relevant today. “At a time when unskilled white workers earned about $11 a week, Walker’s agents were making $5 to $15 a day, pioneering a system of multilevel marketing that Walker and her associates perfected for the Black market,” wrote Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Her approach was revolutionary for its time. Walker didn’t just create products—she built an entire ecosystem of economic empowerment. As business historians note, Walker was interested in enlisting her customers as independent sales agents who would eventually run their own businesses. She even held conferences to inspire and train these agents, offering a unique path “from the sugar cane field and the wash tub” to “ownership of a business enterprise which commands high recognition.”
The entrepreneurial principles that made Walker successful remain powerful today. Research shows Walker didn’t just build a business; she built a network. By establishing a network of sales agents and beauty schools, Walker provided jobs and education to thousands of African American women. Her model was as much about economic empowerment as it was about business success.
Why celebrity board members actually matter (and when they don’t)
Here’s where it gets interesting. While some research suggests celebrity endorsements have limited impact on fundraising—with one study showing less than 12 percent of ads featuring celebrities saw more than a 10 percent increase, and one-fifth of celebrity ads had a negative impact on consumers—the board appointment strategy is different.
Having a strong Madam Walker Legacy Center board is crucial for attracting attention to the amazing programs being developed.
When celebrities take on board roles rather than just lending their names, the impact multiplies. They bring networks, business expertise, and long-term commitment. More importantly, both Babyface and Epps have demonstrated genuine, ongoing relationships with the Center that go back years.
The commitment from the two new members on the Madam Walker Legacy Center board is expected to yield long-lasting benefits for the organization.
The ripple effects we can expect
With these appointments, expect to see some exciting developments. The Center’s inclusion reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to expanding national programming and elevating the visibility of the historic venue as a cultural destination.
Think bigger cultural events, expanded mentorship programs, and potentially new business incubator initiatives that blend entertainment industry insights with traditional entrepreneurship training. The Walker Center has always been about more than preservation—it’s about applying historical lessons to modern challenges.
What this means for Indianapolis and beyond
The work of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of Indianapolis and beyond.
This move positions Indianapolis more prominently on the national cultural map. When hometown heroes like Babyface and Epps invest their reputations and time in local institutions, it signals to the broader world that something special is happening here.
The Madam Walker Legacy Center operates from the Madam C.J. Walker Building, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1991 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It’s described as a “beacon of pride, ensuring that the significance of Madam CJ Walker and Indiana Avenue are not forgotten.”
But with Babyface and Epps on board, this beacon is about to shine a lot brighter. Their involvement transforms the Center from a historical landmark into a dynamic hub for contemporary cultural and economic activity.
The bottom line
This isn’t just about adding star power to a nonprofit board. It’s about two successful entrepreneurs who understand the value of legacy, community investment, and economic empowerment choosing to put their reputations and networks behind an institution that embodies all three.
With the influence of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board, the initiatives launched will focus on empowering future generations.
As one observer noted, “The Madam Walker Legacy Center is more than a building—it’s a movement grounded in Black excellence, community, and creativity. With Babyface and Mike Epps on board, MWLC is poised to expand its reach and preserve Madam Walker’s legacy through the arts, culture, and education.”
Madam C.J. Walker built her empire on the principle that economic empowerment creates ripple effects throughout communities. Now, more than a century later, two of Indianapolis’s biggest success stories are doubling down on that same principle. The Center’s evolution from memorial to movement is officially underway.
The legacy of Madam C.J. Walker is alive and well through the dedicated efforts of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board.
Learn more about the Madam Walker Legacy Center and its programs at madamwalkerlegacycenter.com
FAQs:
What is the Madam Walker Legacy Center?
The Madam Walker Legacy Center is a cultural landmark in Indianapolis honoring Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America. It focuses on Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
The foundation of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board is built upon the principles of excellence and community service.
Why did Babyface and Mike Epps join the board?
Both are Indianapolis natives with long-standing ties to the Center. Their board involvement brings credibility, influence, and strategic value to help amplify MWLC’s mission on a national scale.
The work of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board will ensure that Walker’s entrepreneurial spirit inspires generations to come.
How does the Center empower entrepreneurs today?
The MWLC continues Walker’s legacy through mentorship programs, business training, and educational events focused on economic empowerment for Black communities.
By supporting the initiatives launched by the Madam Walker Legacy Center board, everyone can contribute to the legacy of empowerment.
What’s the significance of the Walker Building?
The Madam C.J. Walker Building is a National Historic Landmark and symbolizes a legacy of entrepreneurship and cultural impact. It serves as MWLC’s headquarters.
The historical significance of the Madam Walker Legacy Center board is matched only by its vision for the future.
How can people support the Center?
Individuals can support through donations, attending events, or participating in MWLC programs. More info is available at madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
Supporting the Madam Walker Legacy Center board is an opportunity for individuals to become part of a movement towards greater economic empowerment.
