My Journey With Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson

The story of one-time Peoria resident Annie Turnbo Malone is known outside the community she once called home, but many in Central Illinois have never heard of her entrepreneurial journey. WTVP viewers can now discover her inspiring life story and connections to a local family when a new WTVP production, My Journey With Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson, premieres Tuesday, November 30 at 7 p.m. on WTVP HD 47.1.

The documentary relates Mr. Bryson’s discovery of his family’s history with Annie and her rise to prominence in hair care and beauty products for Black women. The daughter of former slaves, she was born in Metropolis, Illinois, lived for a time with family in Peoria and attended Peoria High School.

Although she never earned a high school diploma, Annie went on to create and market Poro brand beauty products. She also operated Poro College, a successful cosmetology school in St. Louis that offered jobs and opportunities to thousands while supporting charities serving the Black community.

As she rose in the business world, Annie always maintained contact with her Peoria family and helped them through the years. Today, Annie Malone Children and Family Services in St. Louis carries on her philanthropic legacy.

Annie’s time in Peoria was brief, but the influence of her Peoria family surely contributed to her entrepreneurial spirit and future success. WTVP is pleased to bring this story to television for the first time in Central Illinois.

My Journey With Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson is the latest WTVP production on local and regional history. Other recent historical documentaries include: Peoria’s Playground: A History of the Peoria Park District, Lydia: Ahead of Her Time andFrom Distilleries to Stills: Prohibition in Peoria. These and more can be streamed by WTVP members with access to WTVP Passport.

Airdates:

• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 11/30/2021 @ 7:00 PM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 12/02/2021 @ 12:00 AM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sun, 12/05/2021 @ 1:30 PM
   

Tuesday, November 30, 7 PM 
WTVP-HD 47.1

Executive Producer

William Baker

Photographer

Alex Ferrel