Linden community advocate honored with street dedication

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Linden community advocate was honored Friday morning after the City of Columbus rededicated a street in his honor.

Retired army serviceman George M. Walker Jr. was honored Friday morning after the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods held a street sign rededication. The 23rd Ave. street sign at the corner of Cleveland Ave. was officially changed to "George M. Walker Jr. Way."

Walker Jr. was well known and beloved in the Linden community for his career at St. Stephen's Community House, where he positively impacted many lives. His passion for the Linden community was seen through his involvement as a member of the 2018 and 2023 One Linden Plan Advisory Committees.

He was also an active member in the South Linden Area Commission, the Greater Linden Advisory Council, the Community Block Watch Alliance, and the Greater Linden Business Network.

Walker Jr's granddaughter, Jaionsa Walker, expressed his love for the Linden community at today's dedication.

"He loved this community. While some might have judged South Linden unfairly, he always saw and spoke of its beauty and potential. He led with kindness and treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated, no matter how they treated him," she said.

Walker Jr. died in March at the age of 67, but city leaders say he will be long remembered throughout the neighborhood.

"Mr. Walker’s tireless efforts and the positive influence he had on Linden
students, parents, and businesses are to be celebrated. His presence at Linden McKinley
STEM Academy and contributions to the South Linden Area Commission will be greatly
missed. We are honored to have had Mr. Walker as a partner in our efforts to build stronger
neighborhoods. His legacy of service and dedication will long be remembered in Linden," said De Lena Scales, Linden Neighborhood Program Specialist.