Clarissa Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarissa Rogers Walker
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| Born | |
| Died | March 7, 2011 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Clarissa Walker |
| Occupation | Civic Activist |
| Known for | Sabathani Community Center |
| Children |
Karon Rogers, Sara Rogers, Rock Rogers, Juan Rogers, Vann Rogers, Bret Rogers, Neva Walker
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Clarissa Rogers Walker (died March 7, 2011) was an important American social activist and community leader. She lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Clarissa was well-known for helping the African-American community in South Minneapolis.
For over 30 years, she was the director of the Sabathani Community Center. This center helps people from many different backgrounds in Minneapolis. In 2019, the City Council of Minneapolis honored Clarissa Walker. They renamed parts of 38th Street after her and another activist, Launa Newman. This was to remember their great work.
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Clarissa's Early Life
Clarissa Walker was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She moved to Minneapolis in 1955 with her first daughter, Karon.
Clarissa's Community Work
Clarissa Walker's main goal was to help people. She worked to make sure everyone had basic needs like shelter, food, and clothes. She also fought for human rights.
Her journey in social work began in hospitals. She worked as a room technician and then as a surgical nurse. She worked at the University of Minnesota and North Memorial Hospitals.
Helping Youth at Sabathani Center
In 1968, Clarissa joined the Sabathani Community Center. She started as a youth supervisor. She worked under the guidance of the Sabathani Church.
At the center, she took on many different roles. She was a social worker, a counselor, and even an assistant director. She also served as the acting executive director.
Education and Leadership
Clarissa kept learning and growing. In 1971, she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology. She studied at the University of Minnesota.
She also studied Business Management and became a licensed social worker. Later, she led the Family Resource Program at the center. She also helped many other important groups.
Fighting Hunger and Helping with Homes
In 1975, Clarissa opened a food shelf. This helped families in the neighborhood who were hungry. It was a big step in supporting her community.
In 1976, she became the first president of Southside Neighborhood Housing Services. She played a key role in helping people get home loans and grants. This made it easier for many families to own their own homes. She also served on the National Housing Reinvestment board for about 25 years.
In 1979, Clarissa started a program to help people with low incomes prepare their taxes. This program later became known as AccountAbility Minnesota. She also advised the Mayor of Minneapolis on senior citizen issues.
Clarissa's Legacy
Clarissa Walker passed away on March 7, 2011, at her home. Her work continues to inspire many people.
Honoring Clarissa's Contributions
In November 2019, the Minneapolis City Council honored Clarissa. They renamed a street after her. The road between East 36th and 42nd streets on 3rd Avenue is now called Clarissa Rogers Walker Way. This is part of the 38th Street Corridor.
In 2021, the City Council planned to create the Clarissa Walker’s Homebuyer Club. This club will help people with low and middle incomes buy homes. It continues her work of helping families find stable housing.
Clarissa's daughter, Neva Walker, also made history. In 2001, Neva was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was the first Black woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature.
Awards and Recognitions
- She received the David W. Preus Servant Leadership Award in 2004.
- A road in Minneapolis was renamed Clarissa Rogers Walker Way in 2019.
