John W. Walker
Arkansas State Representative John Walker has died at the age of 82 at his home. According to the Pulaski County coroner’s office, Walker died Monday morning (Oct. 28).
Born in Hope, Walker opened one of the first racially integrated law firms in the South in the 1960s, focusing on civil rights and racial discrimination. The law firm, originally known as Walker and Chachkin, is now known as John W. Walker Law Firm.
Walker obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, a master’s degree from New York University and a law degree from Yale University.
After graduating law school at Yale, Walker became an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in New York. He later returned to Arkansas to open his law practice.
One of the defining cases of his career was the Little Rock School District desegregation case.
Walker served five terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives, starting his first term in 2011. He was reelected for four subsequent terms (2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019).
During the most recent legislative session, Walker served on multiple committees, including the Joint Budget Committee, the House Education Committee, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs Committee. He was also a member of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus.
State leaders, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson, issued tributes to Walker on social media.
“It is with much sadness that Susan and I learned of the passing of Rep. John Walker. For years, I followed his work as a civil rights attorney and advocate. For the last five years I have had the opportunity to see John ably and passionately represent his constituents as a member of the General Assembly, “Hutchinson said in a statement. “John always was a gentleman and proved every day that you can get along with people even though there may be disagreements. He worked tirelessly for the causes he championed and for the people he represented. We will miss his service to our state. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Dreaded telling my dad, @SenKimHendren about our good friend, John Walker’s passing. So much respect for their relationship. John was a great man whom stood tall and fought hard for what he believed in. His passing is a terrible loss for Arkansas. pic.twitter.com/S39rVYMAbc
— Jim Hendren (@JimHendren1) October 28, 2019
Walker’s law practice confirmed his death to Arkansas Money & Politics. The firm expects to release a statement at a later time.
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