Fraternity seeks marker honoring former Vicksburg mayor

A Vicksburg fraternity chapter is seeking city approval to place a historical marker honoring Robert Major Walker, the city's first elected Black mayor, at the intersection of Walnut and Crawford streets.

Terry Steed, president of the Omicron Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, presented the request Monday to the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

“We're here to respectfully request board approval for a placement of a historical marker at the intersection of Walnut Street and Crawford Street honoring former Mayor Robert Walker who spent most of his time serving Vicksburg and the community area,” Steed said.

Walker became Vicksburg's first elected Black mayor in a 1988 special election, filling the unexpired term of Demery Grubbs. Walker won a full term in 1989 and served until 1993, returning to office from 1997 to 2001.

Before becoming mayor, Walker served on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. His public service included an appointment as assistant secretary of state for elections in 1995, leadership roles with the Mississippi Library Commission and work with the NAACP and Mississippi Legal Services Coalition.

In January 2019, the city voted to rename its City Hall annex in Walker's honor. The building at South and Walnut streets now bears his name.

“I'm honored for the city to make that designation. I'm just elated,” Walker told The Vicksburg Post at the time.

In an Oct. 6 letter to the board, Steed said the proposed marker would recognize Walker's contributions, leadership and lasting impact on Vicksburg. The fraternity selected the Walnut and Crawford intersection for its visibility.

The board voted to take the request under advisement without approving the proposed location.