Book Club

Nonprofit Book Club

The CFJC’s Nonprofit Book Club has read and discussed 13 books together, and we welcome you to join us for Book #14! This opportunity is open to anyone – donors, nonprofit partners, and community members. The Nonprofit Book Club is an informal space for professional development, networking, and learning. We hope you can join us.

Popcorn & Pages

A Deep Dive into the Life of Madam C.J. Walker

Please join the Johnson County Nonprofit Alliance Book Club as we kick off the new year with a fun new ‘chapter’ in our book club! The first book club discussion for 2025 will include a screen option as well! We will be focusing on the life of Madam C.J. Walker – the first female self-made millionaire in America and an influential philanthropist of her time. Participants have the option of reading “On Her Own Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles AND/OR watching the new Netflix Original Series, “Self-Made” and discussing Madam C.J. Walker together at an in-person event on Tuesday, February 4th from 9-10:30am in Theater 3 at FilmScene at the Chauncey. Over the winter/holiday season you can read, watch, or both – get your copy of “On Her Own Ground” and/or start watching “Self-Made” on Netflix, or for a small rental fee on Amazon, Fandango, or Youtube TV. If you are able to attend the in-person discussion, please RSVP below to give us an idea of how many people to expect! We hope you can pop in for at least part of our discussion on the incredible Madam C.J. Walker (whether or not you’ve finished the book/series).

RSVP for Feb. 4th Discussion

Read: “On Her Own Ground”

Join us for Book #14 – “On Her Own Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles. We will read the full book individually (and/or watch the Netflix series below) and meet in-person on Tuesday, February 4th from 9-10:30am in Theater 3 at FilmScene at the Chauncey.

Summary: In “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker,” A’Lelia Perry Bundles masterfully chronicles the extraordinary life of her great-great-grandmother, an African-American washerwoman who rose from the oppressive shackles of post-slavery America to become the nation’s first self-made female millionaire. This meticulously researched biography is not just a recounting of Madam C.J. Walker’s stunning achievements in the beauty industry, but also a vivid portrayal of her relentless commitment to empowering black women through economic independence and social activism. With its rich historical context and inspiring narrative, “On Her Own Ground” invites readers to explore the remarkable journey of a woman whose indomitable spirit broke barriers and paved the way for future generations, making it an essential read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, history, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Watch: “Self-Made”

Watch “Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” on Netflix with a subscription, or for a small ($2) fee on Amazon Video, Fandango at Home, or Youtube TV. This series is a single season with four episodes chronicling the life of Madam C.J. Walker as portrayed by award-winning actress Octavia Spencer. We hope this option allows more participation and engagement in our book club and hope you can spend your winter curled up with a good book and/or good show! We’ll be discussing the book, series, and Madam C.J. Walker in general at our in person discussion on February 4th from 9-10:30am in Theater 3 at FilmScene at the Chauncey – hope you can join us!