In the Spotlight: A'Lelia Bundles' Upcoming Book
Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance
Many of us know A'Lelia Bundles as the celebrated author and biographer of 1920s businesswoman extraordinaire Madam C.J. Walker. Well, now Bundles is set to release her highly anticipated new book, Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, on June 10, 2025.
The work will shine a long-overdue spotlight on the dazzling life of Walker’s daughter, A'Lelia, who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance in her own right.
Bundles, who is both Walker’s great-great-granddaughter and biographer, sees a special significance in the book’s upcoming release. "The timing has turned out to be perfect for the 2025 centennial of many key Harlem Renaissance milestones," Bundles shared recently. This milestone anniversary makes it a fitting moment to reflect on the vibrant cultural movement, and A'Lelia Walker's role in shaping it.
For Bundles, this project has been more than just a book. It's been a labor of love, decades in the making. A meticulous researcher, she’s long been passionate about telling A'Lelia Walker’s story, a woman whose life was often overshadowed by her mother’s legacy.
As Bundles explains, "I am very excited that the REAL story of A'Lelia Walker's arts patronage, international travels, philanthropy, fabulous parties, and friendships with other Harlem Renaissance icons will finally be out in the world."
Bundles' previous work, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, inspired Netflix's Self Made, starring Octavia Spencer. That book focused on how Madam C.J. Walker built her business. Joy Goddess promises to explore new terrain—an exciting deep dive into A'Lelia Walker’s contributions to the cultural fabric of Harlem during the 1920s.
We know that A'Lelia Walker wasn't just the glamorous hostess behind legendary parties at her Harlem townhouse, but also a significant patron of the arts. Joy Goddess promises even more detail, to showcase her full legacy—both as a larger-than-life personality and as a quiet force behind the creative explosion that defined Harlem’s Golden Age.
Joy Goddess will be a must-read for anyone interested in the Harlem Renaissance or curious about the influential women who helped fuel it. As Bundles said, "This has been a long journey," but the release of this book will ensure A'Lelia Walker’s contributions, from her legendary salons to her philanthropy, are celebrated for generations to come.
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