SAINT PAUL, Minn. – June 10, 2024 – “Carl Walker: The Sound of Justice,” written by Majeste Phillip, is the first book in the Minnesota Biography series published by the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI). The book will be released in the spring of 2025.
Earlier this year, the PPGJLI held a writing contest to uplift cultural narrative and serve as a community-building tool by highlighting a Minnesota black leader who is making a difference.
Visit the institute at https://www.ppgjli.org/.
“It is an opportunity to preserve culture and to become a published literary artist making important contributions to the lives of young readers,” Jacklyn Milton, administrative director, said.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Majeste Phillip is the winner of a writing competition sponsored by the institute. Black writers in Minnesota were invited to write a biography featuring Rev. Carl Walker, co-founder of the Walker|West Music Academy.
“I am grateful for this experience,” Dr. Artika Tyner, Executive Director said. “It gave me great pleasure to honor such an exceptional individual as Rev. Walker. I am impressed by his dedication to the community, his craft, and his servant leadership approach to life.”
About Rev. Carl Walker
Rev. Carl Walker has dedicated over 70 years to preserving black culture and history through arts and music. At a young age, his grandmother inspired him in matters of faith, music, and storytelling. In 1988, Rev. Walker partnered with Grant West to co-found the Walker | West Music Academy. The academy is the oldest black music academy in the nation. His work is groundbreaking since he promoted inclusion in music education. Over the last year, his work has promoted justice and healing in the community. Rev. Walker is leading a multiracial choir that combines history and culture to actively combat racism and foster understanding among diverse communities.
Learn more about Rev. Walker at https://walkerwest.org.
About Majeste Phillip
Majeste Phillip is a passion-filled creative, striving to utilize her writing gifts to challenge and inspire the world. Phillip is pursuing her pathway to law and justice by working for the State of Minnesota. She plans to continue her education and law school. Outside of this, Phillip enjoys learning about new art forms and using them as inspiration for her artwork and a gateway to other world views.
Visit Majeste Phillip on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/majeste-phillip-b8b81418b.
