She was named Joseph after her father, but at some point, switched it herself to Josie. She also had the nickname “Josie Outlaw”, because she was a fighter. Came home from work one day after being mugged and was happy, gleeful, that she still had her watch. She weighed 90 lbs. wet but she fought back.
This is the strong woman who was a huge influence on Terrence Walkers life, his grandmother, Josie Walker.
Josie Walker moved from South Carolina to Philidelphia with the hope of making a better life for her family. She had gone to a teachers' college and the plan was to teach in Philly, but somehow, she ended up working in shipyards and as a housekeeper.
Terrence would wake in the morning to find Miss Josie at the kitchen table reading the daily newspapers. At night they watched news shows on TV, This Week with David Brinkly, Meet the Press, and The McLaughlin Group.
The strong bond between Terrence Walker and his grandmother, Miss Josie, is the reason he started The Walker Fund. He wanted to honor this fine, outspoken woman, whom he had such a strong bond with.
Terrence Walkers grandmother and grandfather
The Walker Fund is a scholarship program Terrence started for DACA students.
“For these students, there is a significant degree of uncertainty for their future, and it’s hard when many of them are doing all they can to succeed,” Walker says. “I want to push toward having better access for immigrant students pursuing the American Dream, and that includes a college education.”
Through his contribution, Walker hopes to plant a seed for more student support in the future.
“Once the VCU community becomes aware of a need, it has always stepped up to provide help,” he says. “I hope that one day, the students we help will be able to tell their stories and share their success.”
Josie Walker moved her family to Philly for a better life, yet they still lived in subsidized housing, and she worked as a housekeeper. Was it any better? In a lot of ways, not really, though her grandson Terrence did become a college graduate with a post graduate degree from one of the country’s most revered HBCUs. He is now running for public office. Her move helped him accomplish that.
What about now, in 2023, not just in Philly, but anywhere in the US. Is it any better now? Not enough! Terrence Walker is running to represent the newly drawn 81st house district of Virginia. He wants to work toward true equity for all. That deserves a big thank you to Miss Josie from all of us.
Terrence Walker (center picture on the table) and his family.
Miss Josie also took Terrence to BB King concerts, what else could you want in a grandmother?
