A wondrous presentation of music, singing and tributes from notable figures highlighted a centennial gala Friday evening for Jackson State University’s late legendary poet Margaret Walker Alexander.
The regal event, attended by nearly 300 guests in the Student Center ballroom on the main campus, was presented by the Margaret Walker Center.
Its director, Dr. Robert Luckett, explained the significance of occasion. “Margaret Walker Alexander came to Jackson State in 1949. In 1968, she founded the Institute for the Study of the History, Life and Culture of Black People – today the Margaret Walker Center. She turned 100 years old on Tuesday. We are lifting her up because we are her direct legacy at Jackson State.”
The event was punctuated by a number of memorable performances. Famed New York City pianist Randy Klein presented a musical composition of Walker Alexander’s award-winning World War II-era poem “For My People.” Before securing permission, he said the idea for the arrangement came while riding on a subway and noticing one of her writings, “Lineage.” Klein said, “I read the poem and loved it. Days later, I was on the subway and saw it again. I wrote it down, went home and put music to it. That was the beginning.”
Entertainment was also provided by Broadway vocalist Rosena Hill Jackson and the internationally renowned JSU Chorale.
Fittingly, actress and JSU alum Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart gave a rousing tribute to her mentor. The former Miss JSU, best known for her role as Aunt Etta on the television series “In the Heat of the Night,” recounted her experiences working with Walker Alexander. “I became her student worker and typed rewrites of her first novel ‘Jubilee.’ She would lecture me and straighten me out just like she would her own children. I became one of her daughters.”
Stewart, dean of the College of Visual and Performance Arts at Alabama State University, said Walker Alexander was more than a scholar. “She was also a poet and a historian as well.”
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber remarked on Walker Alexander’s impact. “As an educator before being elected mayor, it’s always important to make sure we’re celebrating those who promote education, particularly literacy in the community.” Her legacy is why the city adopted “Jubilee” this year as the novel for everyone in Jackson to read, he said.
Another educator, author-poet C. Liegh McInnis, was equally enthralled by Walker Alexander’s contributions. “Her legacy is two-fold – being a gifted writer and using her skills to help people. You can study Margaret Walker in academia but can also talk about her humanitarian characteristics. This event is important because we’re finally casting a major light on an unknown treasure.”
McInnis, an instructor of English at JSU in the College of Liberal Arts, said, “(Poet) Nikki Giovanni said that Margaret Walker is the most famous person nobody knew. Events like these are necessary not only because it speaks to her talent but because you can compose a symphony of her work. It also says to the world that she’s great enough to be studied in every classroom.”
Reflections also were offered by former JSU President John A. Peoples: I’m proud to have been an associate of Margaret Walker during my student days. She came here when I was a junior in college. As time went by, I became president, and she was still here. She became one of my best friends, and she was a genius at whatever she did. She made a real difference.”
Other recent events surrounding the centennial included a picnic and lecture by two biographers; and a special reception with a photography exhibit.
Luckett said Friday’s climatic event will remain special to him forever. “It is my great honor to run the institute that Margaret founded in 1968. I’m only the third director, and I take this role very seriously. It’s humbling. I’m honored to get to walk in Doctor Alexander’s shoes.”
Dr. Mario Azevedo