Proposal to Rename 12th Street in Honor of John Walker

A proposal with strong support is circulating to name 12th street in Little Rock to John W. Walker Boulevard in honor of the late state representative as well as an area school.

The movement was started by the Little Rock chapter of the NAACP in their November executive committee meeting. The proposal states:

“It was unanimously decided that Attorney John Walker should be honored by naming a street and a school in remembrance of his many years of dedicated service to Little Rock and the school system seeking Justice for all students and parents in Arkansas.

We suggested 12th Street because it runs through the heart of our Community from Chester to Rodney Parham, which encompasses Wards 1, 2, and 6.  It is the most suitable street for boulevard purposes and houses Haven of Rest Cemetery and a diverse business community.”

Walker was born in Hope and began practicing law in Little Rock in 1965. He opened one of the first three racially integrated law firms in the south and was personally involved throughout his career in cases involving racial discrimination throughout the state. Walker was elected state representative for the 34th district in 2010 where he served until his death late last month.

The proposal recommends city director Doris Wright to present the proposal to the Little Rock Board of Directors. Many neighborhood associations along 12th street, including Downtown Neighborhood Association where I personally serve, are looking to adopt support for the movement.

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