Cummings remembers Ron Walters, political strategist and U Md. institute head
Ron Walters, an important figure in the history of modern American politics, was remembered Saturday by one of his many students, Baltimore Congressman Elijah E. Cummings.
"I will be forever grateful to Dr. Walters for seeing qualities in me that I did not see in myself," said Cummings, who studied under Walters as an undergrad at Howard University in Washington and described him as a mentor.
A scholar and strategist, Walters, who had cancer, died Friday night at age 72. He was on the faculty at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he served as director of the African American Leadership Institute.
A perceptive analyst of politics and political behavior, Walters was perhaps best known as a top adviser in Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns.
Cummings' statement follows:
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) today released a statement following the death of Dr. Ron Walters, who not only served as campaign manager for the presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson, but was also a professor at University of Maryland and at Howard University, where he instructed Rep. Cummings. Walters died at the age of 72.
“Dr. Ron Walters taught me as a student at Howard University during the early seventies. He was a man of great integrity and intellect. He was such a popular professor that there were waiting lists to get into his classes. However, he was a very strict grader. Whenever I was faced with difficult political decisions in life, the professor would always find time for me. He would provide me with the benefits of his thoughts, opinions and extensive knowledge.
"While he was a quiet man, his opinions always carried a lot of weight in the world of politics and beyond. He was a man who consistently told me what I needed to hear even though I may not have wanted to hear it. He touched the lives of all the students who had the honor of being a part of any of his classes.
“Dr. Walters was not only my teacher. He was also one of my most reliable and brilliant mentors. He truly brought life to my life and to the lives of the many people he touched. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Walters for seeing qualities in me that I did not see in myself. He will be greatly missed.
"A true giant of a man has fallen. However, he has left this world a better place than the one that existed the day he was born. For this and many other reasons I am thankful that my life eclipsed with his. May God bless his soul.”
During his distinguished career, Dr. Walters also published well over 100 academic articles and seven books. One book, Black Presidential Politics in America, won the Bunche Prize. As well as his work in Maryland, he was an assistant professor at Brandeis University, an assistant professor at Syracuse University and a fellow at Harvard University.
Comments
My condolences go out to the faimly of Ron Wlaters. May your prayers be answered during this difficult time.
Dr. Ronald Walters was a great man and a great political scientist who is, and will increasingly be, sorely missed. His body of work includes the sharing of ideas and advisement to organizations and individuals, presidents and political laymen, and scholars and students.
It was his inspirational presence that drew me from the world of political activism to the world of political science, and the Doctoral program at Howard University. I had the honor to work with him while working with Melanie Campbell at the National Coalition on Black Voter Participation, Inc., at the Law office of Derrick A. Humphries, Esq. and the Black Leadership Forum under the leadership of Dr. Yvonne Scruggs Leftwhich and Dr. Joe Leonard. Dr. Walters also served as my outside reader and member of my dissertation committee. He thoughtfully taught me while questioning me during the defense. With this level of interaction and respect I speak of him in both the past and present tense.
Dr. Ronald Walters stood at the vortex of political power in America because he stood as an advisor to; the practitioners of politics, the scholars of politics and political science, and the informed political and community activist. He served as a credible sourse of information to the politically interested and political laymen and laywomen. He worked with foundations and those who sought out the universal application of the U.S. Constitution as foundational to American citizenship, "for all Americans." Moreover, Dr. Walters served as a teacher, arguably his highest honor and among the highest honors bestowed in society, a great teacher.
He was, and remains, the old school teacher who encouraged excellence by virtue of his presence. Anyone who encountered him should be famliar with his keen analytical mind and his generous heart. During his lifetime one would have encountered him in a variety of venues. His syndicated writings appeared in the pages of America's African American owned newspapers. He was a pillar of the African American activist and political communities. He presented his research and analysis at a multitude of National, Regional and local conferences. He attended and presented his research to: the NAACP, the National Urban League, Blacks in Government, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Weekend, the American Political Science Association, National Conference of Black Political Scientists, the Democratic National Convention. He shared his insight with audiences of; Black Entertainment Television, Cable News Network,National Public Radio and the British Broadcast Company to name a few.
His undergraduate and graduate students are too numerous to name but in the days ahead one should see the virtual who's who of political science, politics and political and community activism come forth to celebrate him. His mind will touch the mind of future generations through his research and influence on others. He is a part of the intellectual legacy continuium of Dr. Ralph Bunche the first African American recepient of the Noble Peace Prize and first chair of the Howard Univ. Department of Political Science.
Dr. Walters you are missed. Thank you for your publications; over 100 articles in peer reviewed academic journals, your seven plus books, and your service as the Chairman of the Political Science Department at Howard University, a member of the Howard University Board of Trustees and as a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Howard University and Director of the African American Leadership Institue at the University of Maryland College Park. Thank you for your living legacy in your family. Our prayers are with them during this time of great loss.
I am not alone in saying WE RESPECT YOU, WE LOVE YOU, & WE MISS YOU!!!! We will not forget your work and we will keep up the good fight!!
Posted by: Dennis B. Rogers, Ph.D. | September 12, 2010 5:57 AM
Dr. Walter who was born in Wichita Kansas was known here as the Youth President of the Wichita Branch Dr. Walter who was born in Wichita Kansas was known here as the Youth President of the Wichita Branch NAACP. In July, 1958, under Dr. Walter's leadership and Youth Advisor Mrs. Rosie Hughes (still living) the Wichita NAACP youth held the first ever successful lunch counter sit-in at the Dockum Drug Store which led to the desegregation of lunch counters of the Rexall chain store in Kansas. The actions of the 1958 Wichita, Kansas NAACP youth group subsequent led to successful sit-ins in Oklahoma City and then Greensboro. Other youth included Billy Alexander, Daisy Blue, Joyce Glass, Lequetta Glass-Diggs, Peggy Hatcher-Wesley, Prentice Lewis, Curtis McClinton, Duane Nelson, Janice Nelson-Robinson, Robert Newby, Carol Parks-Hahn, Karen Phillip-Ware, Arlene Harris-Ruffin, Joan Smith-Williams and Dr. Galyn Vesey,many of whom are still living. Dr. Walters will be missed by his friends in Wichita, KS. My prayers go out to his family. His legacy to Wichita's youth and the State of Kansas will continue with the Wichita Branch NAACP's "Ron A. Walters Emerging Leadership" Award which honors a student eho has shown remarkable determination, has had to make sacrifices, and is contributing to the community while working toward or having completed their education.
Posted by: Elaine Guillory | September 12, 2010 12:01 PM
I am truly saddened to hear the news of your passing, Dr. Walters. Thank you so much for devoting your life to promoting historical truth and for stimulating our minds. You are indeed a national treasure and will be sorely missed. May God be with you, your family, and all others who mourn your passing from this life. Your teachings and legacy will live on forever!
Posted by: Darius Hedgebeth, PhD Candidate, George Mason University | September 12, 2010 1:27 PM
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Ron Walters extended family through out the world.
Dr. Walter was one of the speaker that I have watched on "Race in America dialogue that was initiated by former defenense secretary and his wife (Cohen's) couple of years ago. I think I also watched Dr. Walter on Brown vs Board education remembrance day that Tavis Smily post each year.
Of all the speakers Dr. Walter stood up most, I was surprised of all the people who are so educated, of all Journalists, and so many advocates Dr. Walter remembered there are unforgotten people that need to be looked.
He talked about reaching out to those small cities which are specially very conservative and report individuals cases.
How did a professor who is well known but quiet as Rep cummings described him and who is so busy remembered about the unheard voices of minorities.
I personally called his secretary and found out that he does answer his calls himself. I called him, he talked to me.
I called him couple of times and didn't leave message, one time he called me. We taked he was looking to help me, I just didn't want to bother him, I told him it is ok for now I will do what i have to do on my own with God's help.
He did say "You can't do it on my own, we have to find you someone---".
I decided not to call him, I know he is so nice and deeply cares.
I found comfort knowing that there are still educated people like Dr. Walter who never forgot where they came from.
It is unfortunate that I didn't make it to call him since I moved into CA, as my life is wrapped up with so many things.
He would have been one of the very few who can help us reduce the stress level of NY and all over the world.
Well, while we are grieving a hero is not with us, I am happy that is not suffering anymore and he'll continue his work from up there.
Will there be another Dr. Walter? Can we please honor him at least by doing what he wanted and loved to do?
I am glad he was not able to attend the conferance or hear about it from Sep 15,10. It was a disappointment and hurt for most of you who have been struggling and assuming that it was working.
It is never too late, we can fix it together in honor of Dr. Walter and his dedication for human equality.
Selam Alem
Posted by: Selam Alem | September 18, 2010 8:17 AM