Robert Major Walker is a former mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was the first African American to hold the position and served two terms.
Robert Major Walker | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi | |
| In office 1988–2001 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Major Walker Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Educator, Politician |
Early life and education
editWalker was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and attended Tougaloo College, where he earned a degree in mathematics and later received a master's degree in political science from Howard University.[1] Before entering politics, he worked as an educator and administrator in the Vicksburg public school system.[2]
Political career
editWalker was elected as Vicksburg's mayor in 1988 during a special election, becoming the first African American to hold the office. He was elected to a full term in 1989 and was re-elected in 1992, serving until 2001.[3] During his tenure, Walker advocated for the establishment of a monument honoring African American soldiers who served in the American Civil War, which now stands in the Vicksburg National Military Park.[4]
Legacy
editIn 2019, the City of Vicksburg renamed its City Hall Annex as the Robert M. Walker Annex to honor his contributions to the city.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Clark, Patrice (January 22, 2019). "City of Vicksburg renames building to honor first African-American Mayor". www.wlbt.com.
- ^ Phillips, Keith (2021-02-11). "Black Excellence: Robert Walker, Vicksburg's first black mayor". Vicksburg Daily News. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Surratt, John (2019-01-22). "City Hall Annex now the Robert M. Walker Building". Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Joyner, Brooklyn (February 15, 2024). "'The truth has to be told:' The story behind monument honoring Black Civil War soldiers" – via www.wapt.com.