LOSS OF ROLE MODEL SADDENS COMMUNITY

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Kenneth B. Walker was born in Columbus on July 29, 1964 to
Mr. Charlie L. Walker (deceased) and Mrs. Emily Johnson Walker. He was
killed on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003 by a Muscogee County Sheriff. The
39-year old was funeralized at St. Mary's Road United Methodist Church on
Tuesday, Dec. 16.

From all accounts, Kenneth B. Walker was the epitome of the continuing
American dream. He was blessed with a devoted wife, a beautiful daughter, a
comfortable home, a fulfilling job, good friends, a stable spiritual home,
a kind heart and a passion for living.

But now, all of that is gone. What is left is a grieving wife, a confused
daughter, a lonesome mother and a community still struggling to come to
terms with Kenneth's untimely death. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl;
daughter, Kayla; his mother, Emily and other family members.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by this unnecessary taking of life. Mr.
Walker was a good man, a decent man. He was a young professional with no
criminal record. He worked hard and loved his family. This is such a sad
and tragic mistake, a mistake this community cannot take without demanding
to know why this happened. There has to be some accountability. There is no
reason African American men should have to fear for their life when being
stopped by officers of the law. Mr. Walker was a Christian man, who was not
only a role model for his family, but for the community as well. Not only
is his family in mourning, the entire African American community should be
in mourning," said Jim Jackson, a member of St. Mary's Road United
Methodist Church.

Kenneth attended school in Muscogee County, first at East Way Elementary
and later graduating with honors from Kendrick High School. It was during
his time at Kendrick he became an All-Star basketball player and received
the following honors: Certificate of Proficiency - Century 21 Typewriting
70 words a minute; first place winner, Page One Award in Vocational
Education; Columbus College High School Enrollment Program, Georgia
Certificate of Merit by the State of Georgia and the University of Georgia,
Community Service Award by the Continental Society and the Omega High
Achievement Award.

His college life included Florida A&M University, Southwestern University
and he received his bachelor's degree in business administration from
Columbus State University.

He began his career at Blue Cross in 1981 through the high school
Vocational Education Program as a mail handler. He worked his way up to his
present position as Health Care Reporting Analyst. In November 2003, he
received his 15th year Service Award at a company banquet.

Walker was a member of St. Mary's Road United Methodist Church where he
served as an usher and a member of the Pastor's Parish Relations Committee.
He was also a life member of the Lambda Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc.