Remembering civil rights pioneer Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker

The University of Richmond community was saddened to learn of the passing of Wyatt Tee Walker, a distinguished theologian and civil rights leader.

“Dr. Walker was a civil rights pioneer who championed principles of equality and inclusion that have become foundational to the University of Richmond today,” said Ronald A. Crutcher, UR president. “As a resident of central Virginia, he became a good friend of the university. We were honored to be gifted his personal collection in 2015, and we look forward to preserving and ensuring access to this scholarly resource pertaining to Dr. Walker’s life and legacy for generations to come.”

Dr. Walker gifted his personal collection to the University of Richmond Boatwright Memorial Library. The collection includes hundreds of historical pieces, including papers, recorded sermons and memorabilia.

Significant items in this historical collection include photographs Dr. Walker took of Martin Luther King Jr. while they were jailed in Birmingham in 1967 and numerous letters to Dr. King and others regarding civil rights issues. Dr. Walker had served as chief of staff for Dr. King and was an internationally respected leader in global civil rights.

The library continues to process and catalogue this special collection.

Additional information about Dr. Walker and the collection may be found in the University of Richmond alumni magazine.

Image Courtesy of the Dr. and Mrs. Wyatt Tee Walker Collection, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond

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