My Journey With Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson

James Agbara Bryson, a descendant of one-time Peorian, Annie Turnbo Malone, explores her life and connections to Central Illinois. Annie rose to prominence in hair care and beauty products for Black women, becoming one of America’s first female Black millionaires. A turn-of-the-century entrepreneur, she also founded a cosmetology school in St. Louis. Her philanthropic legacy lives on today.