Inventor, Marjorie Stewart Joyner (October 24,
1896 - December 27, 1994), was born in Virginia's Blue Ridge
Mountains. When she was a teenager she moved to Chicago, Illinois
to study cosmetology. While attending school she met the famous
beautician, Madam C.J. Walker, who had achieved success after
entertainer Josephine Baker used her products. Dedicated to
ensuring that women felt good about their looks, in 1928, Joyner
patented a permanent wave machine that curled hair with curling
irons and clamping devices. The machine allowed the hair to stay
set for several days. While it was Joyner's invention, she assigned
her rights to Madame C.J. Walker. Joyner went on to become the
Director of Madame Walker's chain of beauty schools. In 1945, she
co-founded the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association
with Mary McLeod Bethune. During the depression, she worked to find
housing and jobs for African Americans. Additionally, she served as
the chair of the Bud Billiken Parade, the largest African American
parade.
