Born in Wichita, Kansas, on July 20, 1938, Walters led a renowned career as a political scholar and expert in Black politics.
A graduate of Fisk University, Dr. Walters earned his graduate degrees from American University. He taught at Georgetown and Syracuse Universities; chaired the African and Afro-American Studies Department at Brandeis University and the Political Science Department at Howard University; and worked as professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland. He served as director of the African American Leadership Institute and Scholar Practitioner Program. Later, he became the distinguished leadership scholar at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership.
Walters served as a campaign manager and consultant for the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. during his two presidential bids and was a policy adviser for Congressmen Charles Diggs and William Gray. During the 2000 election season, Walters worked as a political analyst for Black Entertainment Television's Lead Story. He was a regular guest and commentator for several political talk shows on radio and television.
He published more than 100 academic articles and authored several award-winning books including including The Price of Racial Reconciliation and Freedom Is Not Enough.
He leaves behind his wife Patricia Ann Walters.
