|
 William
O. Walker’s death left an incomprehensible
void in Cleveland’s leadership. During his 62-year career, 49 of those as the publisher and
editor of The Call & Post Newspaper, many
called him the glue that kept the Black
Community together.
He
was respected the world over for his prowess
as a publisher, but in Cleveland W.O. Walker
was a human monument.
Never to anyone’s knowledge was the
citadel of his integrity breached by soul
sellers or buyers. Indeed, W.O. was a power to be reckoned with.
Walker was not given to quick, easy or
ill-conceived judgments.
His way was to provide a context for
the free play of ideas.
He
listened, and he considered; he warmed to the
challenge of setting in motion terms that
illuminated darkness.
His quick intelligence was constant.
It invaded confusion.
He
was a loyal and good friend, but understood
friendship as an active, creative and changing
relationship, alive and open to the surprises
of grace.
His loyalty was to the cause of Black
civic rights and to the possibilities of
universal goodwill and citizenship.
He
was a mentor to all who came seeking knowledge
about the history of the Black civil rights
movement.
But William O. Walker was more than a
politician and historian, more than just a
great newspaper editor and publisher, he was a
mind alert to human artistry; his spirit was
attuned to the deeds and words which make life
whole and indivisible.
Had
it not been for his political leadership and
the voice he provided for those forced to hold
the short end of the pole of opportunity, an
untold number of Black disadvantaged
Clevelanders would have been devoured by the
elements of indifference.
He
was encyclopedic.
He was wise and patient.
He was brave when courage was required
and he was just when conciliation furthered
the cause of human progress.
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