Robert Major Walker

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Robert Major Walker
Robert Major Walker.png
Walker being sworn in as Mayor of Vicksburg
Mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi
In office
1988–2001
Personal details
Born1943 or 1944
Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S.
Died (aged 81)
Education
OccupationEducator, politician

Robert Major Walker (1943 or 1944 – July 29, 2025) was an American politician and educator who served as mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was the first African American to hold the position and served two terms.

Contents

Early life and education

Walker was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and attended Jackson State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics and later received a master's degree in political science from University of Mississippi. [1] Before entering politics, he worked as an educator and administrator in the Vicksburg public school system. [2]

Political career

Walker 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]

Death

Walker died on July 29, 2025, at the age of 81. [5]

Legacy

In 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

References

  1. 1 2 Clark, Patrice (January 22, 2019). "City of Vicksburg renames building to honor first African-American Mayor". www.wlbt.com.
  2. Phillips, Keith (February 11, 2021). "Black Excellence: Robert Walker, Vicksburg's first black mayor". Vicksburg Daily News. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  3. Surratt, John (January 22, 2019). "City Hall Annex now the Robert M. Walker Building" . Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  4. Joyner, Brooklyn (February 15, 2024). "'The truth has to be told:' The story behind monument honoring Black Civil War soldiers". wapt.com.
  5. Williams, Angela (July 29, 2025). "Former Vicksburg Mayor Robert Walker dies". WAPT. Retrieved July 29, 2025.