Robert Major Walker

Robert Major Walker 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.

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. Before entering politics, he worked as an educator and administrator in the Vicksburg public school system.

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. 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.

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

In 2019, the City of Vicksburg renamed its City Hall Annex as the Robert M. Walker Annex to honor his contributions to the city.