‘This is my century’: Picnic crowd reflects on legacy of Margaret Walker Alexander

July 8, 2015
Dr. Robert Smith, president of the board of directors for the Margaret Walker Center, admires the birthday cake honoring the centennial celebration of former Jackson State University professor Margaret Walker Alexander. Smith described the poet-writer as a national historic figure who helped shaped the lives of ordinary people. (Photo by Deontae Williams/JSU)
Dr. Robert Smith, president of the board of directors for the Margaret Walker Center, admires the birthday cake honoring the centennial celebration of former Jackson State University professor Margaret Walker Alexander. Smith described the poet-writer as a national historic figure who helped shaped the lives of ordinary people. (Photo by Deontae Williams/JSU)
Dr. Robert Smith, left, president of the board of directors for the Margaret Walker Center, joins others admiring the birthday cake honoring the centennial celebration of former Jackson State University professor Margaret Walker Alexander. Smith described the poet-writer as a national historic figure who helped shaped the lives of ordinary people. (Photo by Deontae Williams/JSU)

Dozens gathered at the Margaret Walker Center for a picnic Tuesday, July 7, to commemorate its namesake’s 100th birthday.

Dr. Robert Luckett, director of the center, said, “We’re proud to celebrate Margaret Walker Alexander’s 100th birthday. She founded us in 1968, and we are her direct legacy at JSU. She was really at the forefront of the movement to establish black studies programs. We continue that legacy today – that academic, artistic, pro-activist legacy.”

This is My CenturyAlso, Dr. Robert Smith, president of the center’s board of directors, reflected on the life of the former JSU professor. He credited her for introducing him to key influential people throughout the years, even sharing personal conversations with him about prolific novelist-poet Richard Wright.

Smith said Walker, as a professor of English, influenced many young writers. He described her best-selling novel “Jubilee,” which told the story of the daughter of a slave and a white plantation owner, as an important work of history. “It spawned an industry of black pride, indignation, hundreds of books, dozens of movies and other positive aspects of black life in America.”

In addition, Smith said he helped developed the center with Walker Alexander and Dr. Alferdteen Harrison, who became director of the institute when Walker Alexander stepped down.

Another board member, Mildred Burney Kelley, called the centennial celebration a fitting occasion for a legendary figure.

Burney Kelley, who worked more than 50 years for JSU in the registrar’s office and then as dean of continuing education, described Walker as a “gifted teacher and great humanitarian.” She said Walker Alexander’s legacy soars beyond Jackson far into the stratosphere of the universe.

Meanwhile, the center plans a free, public centennial gala Friday, July 10, in the JSU Student Center ballroom on the main campus. There will be tributes and a special concert, including the JSU Chorale, performing Walker Alexander’s poetry set to music.

Addressing the crowd, Dr. Maryemma Graham, a biographer, seated left at the table, joins her counterpart, Dr. Carolyn Brown, in a discussion about the legacy of Margaret Walker Alexander. (Photo by Deontae Williams/JSU).
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Maryemma Graham, a biographer, seated left at the table, joins her counterpart, Dr. Carolyn Brown, in a discussion about the legacy of Margaret Walker Alexander. (Photo by Deontae Williams/JSU).