Community activist Lou Walker worked diligently and tirelessly to bring about change and promote a higher quality–of–life in DeKalb County. His mission was to provide an open, accessible government … a government for “WE the PEOPLE”.
Mr. Walker was frequently acknowledged as a renaissance man and a man of vision and wisdom. Mr. Walker’s endeavors stretched far and wide from public service to the film and television industry. As a champion for minority-owned business participation in public and private contracts, he founded the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce in December 1996 and served as President and Chairman of the Board.
For over 22 years Mr. Walker spearheaded a community grassroots campaign to make the dream of building a hospital in South DeKalb a reality. Through his efforts, the DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale opened a 100–bed hospital in 2005. In honor of his contributions, the driveway leading to the hospital is named “Lou Walker Way.”
Among Mr. Walker’s accomplishments during his tenure as District 7 Commissioner in DeKalb County was his efforts to secure passage of the $125,000,000 Park Bond Referendum and his proposal of the DeKalb County Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
He was a staunch advocate for youth and providing quality–of–life programs for active senior citizens. Although the center was Mr. Walker’s dream, his wife, Theresa Walker, made that dream a reality after his death in 2004. The Lou Walker Senior Center, a $10 million, 40,000 square foot facility opened on Panola Road in November 2005. It was her proudest accomplishment and her advocacy efforts to improve the lives of seniors only increased into her retirement and later years.
As an actor, Mr. Walker appeared in over 65 feature films and made–for–television movies, some of which include, “Mississippi Burning,” “Fighting Temptation,” and “Remember the Titans.” Some of his television credits include, “In the Heat of the Night”. Working behind the scenes, Mr. Walker was appointed to serve on the Georgia Film and Video Tape Office in 1983 by Governor Joe Frank Harris and was reappointed in 1991 by Governor Zell Miller to bring the film industry to Georgia. He also served as vice president of the Screen Actors Guild.
