“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., a brave, wise man and a great champion for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. He was tragically assassinated in 1968, but Dr. King’s voice continues to beautifully inspire younger generations.
Dr. King heavily influenced one of Vicksburg’s finest, Sylvester Walker. For the past ten years, Sylvester has held an incredible parade in downtown Vicksburg, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. We had the pleasure of visiting with Sylvester, and are thrilled to share more about how Dr. King inspired his life, and how he is carrying on Dr. King’s vision of serving others.
~ Tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up?
“I'm Sylvester Walker and I'm a native of Vicksburg, MS; I have three children and one grandson I love so much, who keep me so strong. I was very poor growing up and I wanted to make sure they wouldn't have to struggle as hard as I had too. My mother and father did the best for their children. I grew up in the Rolling Hills Subdivision low-income projects, so I know how it feels to have nothing. That is the reason I love to give back to my community. Out of all the struggles I was able to attend college and I was able to start my own business at the age of 21 and started my own beauty salon; I was in business for 25 years.”
~ Did you ever meet Dr. King? Tell me about his influence on you.
“No, I never was afforded the opportunity to meet with Dr. King in person. He did, however, influence my life as a young adult to serve my community. His actions led me to believe that one man can make a difference.”
~ Describe the multicultural flag you created that flies over Dr. King's memorial site.
“The Multicultural Flag I created was design to be inclusive; that's why you see the variation of colors. They signify what America has claimed to be all these years, a melting pot for all. Having said that, I feel it is time that our flag represents all cultures, ethnicities and heritages. This is not an attempt to change the existing flags, but to broaden our acceptance of one another and to display those ideals. The flag colors represent all walks of life: Black for the black skinned people, Red for the red skinned people, Yellow for the yellow skin people and Green for the land came from. Red/White/Blue for the American flag that is in the center, showing we might look different, but we are so much alike. At present they are not on the market, the ones I have are handmade. I was unable to keep up the production due to request; I began using it in the Dr. King Parade.”
~ What inspired you to start the annual parade in Vicksburg?
“I noticed other parades in other areas and had a desire to bring the MLK Parade to the Vicksburg community, in hopes of enlightening our youth and honoring Dr. King along with the generation of our community that under his guidance help to pave the way.”
~ Tell me about your email address, healing the wounds. What does this mean?
“The email comes from my 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We help people in the community who are less fortunate by providing clothes, food, shelter, counseling, and educational programs.”
Sylvester, you are a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with us today! Though the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade will not be held this year, Sylvester hopes the parade will continue in 2017. We asked Sylvester, “What do you think today’s generation can learn from Dr. King’s wise words and brave actions?” His reply was perfect. “Have love and respect one another.”
We wish you all a happy Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday!
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., a brave, wise man and a great champion for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. He was tragically assassinated in 1968, but Dr. King’s voice continues to beautifully inspire younger generations.
Dr. King heavily influenced one of Vicksburg’s finest, Sylvester Walker. For the past ten years, Sylvester has held an incredible parade in downtown Vicksburg, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. We had the pleasure of visiting with Sylvester, and are thrilled to share more about how Dr. King inspired his life, and how he is carrying on Dr. King’s vision of serving others.
~ Tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up?
“I'm Sylvester Walker and I'm a native of Vicksburg, MS; I have three children and one grandson I love so much, who keep me so strong. I was very poor growing up and I wanted to make sure they wouldn't have to struggle as hard as I had too. My mother and father did the best for their children. I grew up in the Rolling Hills Subdivision low-income projects, so I know how it feels to have nothing. That is the reason I love to give back to my community. Out of all the struggles I was able to attend college and I was able to start my own business at the age of 21 and started my own beauty salon; I was in business for 25 years.”
~ Did you ever meet Dr. King? Tell me about his influence on you.
“No, I never was afforded the opportunity to meet with Dr. King in person. He did, however, influence my life as a young adult to serve my community. His actions led me to believe that one man can make a difference.”
~ Describe the multicultural flag you created that flies over Dr. King's memorial site.
“The Multicultural Flag I created was design to be inclusive; that's why you see the variation of colors. They signify what America has claimed to be all these years, a melting pot for all. Having said that, I feel it is time that our flag represents all cultures, ethnicities and heritages. This is not an attempt to change the existing flags, but to broaden our acceptance of one another and to display those ideals. The flag colors represent all walks of life: Black for the black skinned people, Red for the red skinned people, Yellow for the yellow skin people and Green for the land came from. Red/White/Blue for the American flag that is in the center, showing we might look different, but we are so much alike. At present they are not on the market, the ones I have are handmade. I was unable to keep up the production due to request; I began using it in the Dr. King Parade.”
~ What inspired you to start the annual parade in Vicksburg?
“I noticed other parades in other areas and had a desire to bring the MLK Parade to the Vicksburg community, in hopes of enlightening our youth and honoring Dr. King along with the generation of our community that under his guidance help to pave the way.”
~ Tell me about your email address, healing the wounds. What does this mean?
“The email comes from my 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We help people in the community who are less fortunate by providing clothes, food, shelter, counseling, and educational programs.”
Sylvester, you are a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with us today! Though the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade will not be held this year, Sylvester hopes the parade will continue in 2017. We asked Sylvester, “What do you think today’s generation can learn from Dr. King’s wise words and brave actions?” His reply was perfect. “Have love and respect one another.”
We wish you all a happy Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday!
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
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