Description

Charles Walker (1947-) was a Democratic state representative for the 85th District for four terms, and then elected state senator from the 22nd District. He was the first African American elected majority leader. The Walker Group was a successful business in construction and newspapers. However, in 2004, Walker faced 142 felony counts including tax evasion, and is currently serving a federal prison term.; Interviewed by Dr. Mel Steely on January 28, 1997 at Walker's office.; Walker begins by speaking of his family history and his father's work as a sharecropper in rural Burke County, Georgia and the racial tension that arose while there. They eventually moved to Augusta, GA. After graduating from high school in Augusta, Walker joined the Navy.After his service, he completed his higher education at Augusta State University and worked for a time for the United States Postal Service. Afraid that there was not enough upward mobility, he resigned from his job there subsequent to being offered a promotion. Walker pursued several independent business enterprises, eventually establishing The Walker Group. During his time working for the Human Relations Committee in Augusta, he was persuaded to pursue politics because of the racial injustices that he came up against. Two years later, after being elected to the Georgia General Assembly, he successfully razed the Augusta-Richmond County Commission in response to the earlier injustices. He speaks of his first year in politics, the expectations as well as the disappointments, especially in realizing the seniority system that was inherent in the...

Record Contributed By

University of West Georgia. Special Collections

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia