By Felicia Newchurch
COB Writer
The profound history of our nation provides much input to its progress and prosperity.
In our history, are people who played major roles in changing the status quo of a struggling a people. Many of whom were educators, whom most of our schools are named after, in tribute of their invaluable contributions. This journey takes us through the life and accomplishments of Bahamian educators in our quest to discover the meaning behind their names.
Dr. Claudius Roland Walker, educator, political figure, doctor, and patriot, inspired the name of the school located on Blue Hill Road - C. R. Walker Secondary School.
He made outstanding contributions to the Bahamian society and made awesome achievements for himself.
Walker became actively involved in the community at a very early age. He was 'a boy with brains' and used his smarts to help merchants on Bay Street with calculations.
He was a student of the Boys' Central School and a member of St. Agnes Church where he served as pianist and organist.
In pursuit of higher education, he attended Rhodes High School in New York and went on to Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he met Mable Cordelia Holloway who became his wife. The Mable Walker Primary School was named in honor of her honour.
Upon graduating from Howard with a Bachelor of Science degree, he became a lecturer at Florida Memorial College, a school with a strong Bahamian presence. After teaching stint, he enrolled at Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating as class president in 1929. After passing the Georgia Medical Board Examinations and qualifying as a doctor, he returned to the Bahamas in 1930 and entered the medical profession.
Walker, who was fluent in Spanish, French and German, became active politics and was elected representative of the Southern District. He served in the House for 20 years and became a strong advocate for women's right to vote and the secret ballot.
He drafted the first constitution of the Medical Association of The Bahamas .
For the people of Nassau, he built the Reinhart Hotel, a venue for wedding receptions and other social and civic events.
The construction of the hotel was significant because it was built for the Bahamian people during the time of racial discrimination.
He was editor of The Voice, a weekly publication that championed the rights of Bahamians.
He pushed for the construction of school buildings to improved the literacy rate of Bahamian children.
His dedication to the Bahamian society was recognized by Her Majesty the Queen in bestowing upon him The Commander of the British Empire, C. R. Walker Technical College, later incorporated into The College of the Bahamas, was named in his honour.
Walker shared his life with his wife Mable, and their seven children. At age 74, this Bahamian that represented a pillar of strength and integrity, died. Gone but certainly not forgotten.
This Bahamian figure has contributed greatly to our country. He valued education, cared for the people, and was responsible for much positive changes that made him an outstanding Bahamian.
Posted: Wednesday January 14, 2004
