Walker, A. Maceo

unknown-1994 · Contribution: 1952-1983

Led Universal Life Insurance Company for over three decades, continuing his father's legacy of community investment

Business & Misc. — collage image
Business & Misc.

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Impact on the world

Took over Universal Life Insurance Company from his father in 1952 and led it for over three decades, continuing to invest company resources in Black homeownership, business development, and civic institutions in Memphis during the height of the civil rights movement, when the company's headquarters served as a meeting place for organizers including Jesse Jackson.

Life & background

The son of Universal Life founder J.E. Walker, A. Maceo Walker took over the company's presidency in 1952 or 1953, leading it for over three decades until 1983 while continuing his father's commitment to using company resources for Black economic empowerment, including support for home ownership and entrepreneurship. Universal's headquarters served as a meeting place for civil rights organizers, including Jesse Jackson, during his tenure.

Sources

  1. National Trust for Historic Preservation (Serving the Community); Historical Marker Database