Wyatt Tee Walker (August 16, 1929 – January 23, 2018) was a prominent American civil rights leader and Baptist minister. He played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walker was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, and he became involved in activism during his college years. He studied at Virginia Union University and later obtained a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. He served as a pastor in various churches, but it was his leadership in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) that brought him national attention.
In the SCLC, Wyatt Tee Walker served as the Executive Director from 1960 to 1964. He was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most trusted aides and played a crucial role in organizing and strategizing for civil rights demonstrations and protests. Walker’s leadership skills and organizational abilities were instrumental in the success of many civil rights campaigns.
One of his notable contributions was during the Birmingham Campaign in 1963, where he helped orchestrate nonviolent direct action and mass protests that led to significant changes in the fight against segregation in the South. After leaving the SCLC, Walker served as a pastor and continued to be involved in various social and political causes. He also advocated for economic justice and was involved in anti-poverty initiatives.
Wyatt Tee Walker’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his dedication to social justice left a lasting impact on the struggle for equality and human rights in the United States. He passed away on January 23, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of activism and advocacy.