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Dr. Walters was the director of the African American Leadership Institute. He was also the campaign manager during Rev. Jesse Jackson's presidential run in 1984. I knew Dr. Walters as a mentor and friend. He was also on the faculty here at Syracuse University at one point in his career, long before my own. He was one of the most respectable and accomplished black scholars I've ever met, and he was appreciated by nearly everyone. His advice on leadership, activism and black empowerment was second to none.
I reached out to a few friends to get their takes on Dr. Walters and many of them were very happy to reply. They were saddened to see the end of his life and career, but most of them understood the urgency of continuing his meaningful work. I haven't been able to catch up with Rev. Jackson yet, but I'll be on his show on Sunday morning. Dr. Walters and I have been on Jackson's show together in the past, and few people were impacted more by Dr. Walters than Rev. Jackson himself.
NAACP President Ben Jealous had this to say:
"I first met Ron when I was 20 and had just been suspended from college for leading campus protests. He sat me down and explained how to build real power for people who others thought permanently powerless. Those lessons guided my life's work for almost 20 years."
Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee said this:
"Professor Walters was a scholarly giant and was one of America's most insightful analysts of the political landscape, in general, and of the intersection of race, politics and policy, specifically. His scholarly work and sound advice, have assisted many past and present members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other African American political and civic leaders around the country."
Noted Georgetown University Professor Michael Eric Dyson:
"Professor Walters embodied the noble legacy of fierce, intellectual warriors who combat oppression and battle injustice with their pen and voice. His analyses of the political and social plight of black America, and his lucid, eloquent defense of the vulnerable and often forgotten black working classes and the poor, stand as hallmarks of a remarkable and influential vocation. Ron Walters was one of the great intellectual activists and political scientists of our times."
Duke University Professor Mark Anthony Neal said this:
"Walters was a giant, who continued to toil at an HBCU until late in his career, when so many others were swayed by the glamour of white elite institutions."
Former Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney said:
"This country has lost what it can ill afford -- an intellectual giant."
Dr. Peniel Joseph, a Black Political Scholar at Brandeis University, said:
"Dr. Ron Walters was one of the most important political scientists and scholars of his generation, whose prodigious corpus of work cast a strobe light on racial, political and economic inequalities that impact African Americans both domestically and internationally. Equally important, Dr. Walters was a scholar-activist in the DuBoisian tradition of linking scholarship to advancement of social and political struggle."
Nationally syndicated radio show host and attorney Warren Ballentine said:
"Ron was the reason so many in my generation had a knowledge of African American politics that was and is so vital to us having a voice in America. We lost a giant."
Gary Flowers of the Black Leadership Forum:
"Dr. Walters was a gentleman, scholar and a prolific political scientist. As a scientist, he not only observed politics, but transformed politics. Dr. Walters was the political engine that powered political campaigns, most notably that of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. He spoke truth to power."
There is no replacing Dr. Ronald Walters. I can't think of a more significant figure in the field of black political science. He was also a good human being. I recall speaking to him at a speaking engagement we did together, and he talked to me like I was his own son. He expressed the importance of young black scholars continuing the legacy of social justice and fighting to do what is right. I will never forget him, and his words will impact me forever. Ronald Walters, may you rest in peace.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here. 
Comments: (20)
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By: Allie Freeman on 9/12/2010 7:49AM
My dad who was a country preacher for from 1938 to 1974 was known for his ablity to comfort and tend his flock. He use to say that God loves pretty flowers too. God picked one of the finest in Dr. Ron Walters who was well resspected by all. He usd his knowledge and wisdom to the fulllest. May he rest in peace . We should all be better for having known him .
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By: James Gadson on 9/12/2010 3:24PM
I have come to flinch every time someone mentions 'God'. In a time when humans are supposed to have progressed in intelligence and scientific reasoning we are still mired in an antiquated belief system that does much more harm than good. Those who believe otherwise are supposed to feel that way due to the numbness of their brains by such prehistoric thoughts.
That being said, must they continue to press their primitive beliefs onto the unsuspecting underdeveloped minds of children and others? Must they push their evil beliefs ahead? Convinced by insanity that they are right and anyone else is wrong, must they try to save a world dying from the abuses of religious beliefs?
Those of us who are tortured by racism, discrimination, and religious right-wing zealots etc., wish to honor those who fight against evil, greed, and hateful controllers.
My condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Walters.
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By: Michael on 9/12/2010 12:31PM
Wow, this is bad news. RIP Dr. Walters. I saw him many times in interviews and, compared to the other black speakers in the various forums, he always shot straight and spoke straight. He was only 72 and we, as black people, have lost an effective agent (and believe me, we can't really afford any more losses.
He tried hard to 'teach' his people (I learned from him) and to forward the cause of progress for his people - and that's more than many of these media-blacks, have done.
RIP sir. I know what you did, if others don't.
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By: Monte Moire on 9/12/2010 11:45AM
So well put, Allie Freeman. Man, this is a really sad loss for the black community. May you rest in peace, Mr. Walters.
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By: Allie Freeman on 9/12/2010 12:26PM
thank you very much, a giant among us.
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By: Eldon Pittman on 9/12/2010 12:10PM
Dr Boyce says that Professor Walters made him the "scholar" that he is now! This implies that he IS a scholar. I can never see any scholarship in looking for racism behind every bush. This is a time for healing and reconciliation, ala Mandela. To constantly stir up racism an animosity, instead of utilizing the principles of quiet strength that Jesus embodied, tarnishes the memory of Ron Walters..a TRUE scholar!
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By: David1 on 9/12/2010 12:44PM
@ Eldon Pittman
Who are you kidding. You have no more respect for Dr. Ronald Walters or his memory than you do for Boyce Watkins or ANY black person. Dr. Ronald Walters like many of his generation fought against cowardly racist like you. RIP Dr. Ronald Walters.
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By: Wyllyemozelle on 9/13/2010 7:41PM
Dr. Watkins does not have to look behind every bush or tree for racism. Racism stands out in the open today. Very boldly.
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By: liar on 9/12/2010 8:22PM
Eldon pittman, say this is a time for healing and reconciiation. Well, eldon, whose doing the healing and reconciliation? because the last time I looked your tea-party idiots are pursuing alot of racial animosity by denying or revising their ancestral history, in the usa. it's always some cow-toed n#$ger with this utopian thought of pacificating. It doesn't work in this country. We tried it in the sixties and they killed, maimed, jailed etc. our people. Mr. Mandela is in a country that's majority black with major resources that this european dominated world wants. By contrast blacks in america are in the minority and the majority(whites)are not about to allow them any leverage. When it comes to existing without race focused policies.
Also, since we have intergrated and assimilated to their system. They don't have to seek any healing or reconciliation because we are the ones begging them for the basic necessities. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Need I say more. And that's exactly what they want. So, why change anything. Other than to keep coons like you talking about healing and reconciliation while they are maintaining their foot on your neck.
RIP Dr. Walters. And, Boyce keep right-on doing what you are doing. And, forget these pacifist, because he's the type mofo that will go tell massa on the others that are trying to run-away.
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By: Eldon Pittman on 9/14/2010 1:22PM
My point is: what is Dr Boyce DOING about the inequities he speaks of? he and Al Sharpton run nothing but their mouths!
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