Joe Walker

My American Journey Joe Walker

Born in a two-room house in rural Louisiana during the Jim Crow Era, Joe Walker shares the story of his life. As a child, he helped his father build houses; as an adolescent, he worked odd jobs to earn money. At an early age, Joe fell in love with radio, nurturing dreams of becoming a DJ. As one of 12 Black students to integrate an all-White school, he was humiliated, ridiculed, and belittled daily. Joe turned to music, and he excelled in band and played multiple instruments. Joe joined the Navy. Upon completing his active-duty military service, Joe embarked on a career in technology and retired from IBM.