Poro Commencement and Portrait Unveiling of Annie M. Malone "The Pioneer Beautician" / Sunday, July 22, 1946. [Chicago, IL], [1946]. 8vo, 24pp, 8 1/2 x 11 1/8 in. Staple-bound original wrappers (minor wear and discoloration; few pages partially disbound). Program includes halftone portraits of teachers and the 64 graduates of the class of July, 1946. Under each student's portrait is printed her name and her "ambition," "slogan," "aim," "aspiration," "hobby," or "song." Page 14 includes a "Foreward" by Minnie J. Foote to go along with the unveiling of a painted portrait of Malone, which was made to hang on the walls of Poro College. Additional photographs including that of Malone, dealers of Poro, and important African American leaders, likely those who contributed to the commissioning of the Malone portrait. 4 local businesses purchased 4 1/4 x 4 3/4 in. advertisement spaces at the end of the program.

3 7/8 x 7 in. Poro College brochure. [Chicago, IL], n.d. Includes a list of processes and topics taught at the school including sterilization, scalp cleansing, pressing, marcel waving, finger waving, beauty culture law, anatomy, arching, singeing, manicuring, salesmanship, and more; along with entrance requirements and tuition and lodging costs for the school.

Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone was an enterprising businesswoman and philanthropist becoming one of the first black millionaires. At a young age, she developed her own concoctions and formulas designed for black hair. In 1900 she began to manufacture her “Wonderful Hair Grower.” In 1917, she began the construction of Poro College which expanded her manufacturing facilities but also contained the first American school of black cosmetology. The business employed over 175 people, including a commission agent named Sarah Breedlove, later known as Madam C.J. Walker, before she left to found her own rival manufacturing company. The college would go on to create jobs for nearly 75,000 women across the world through its school and franchise business.