Willie Chester Burke
Willie Chester Burke, a long-time resident of Dublin, was a beloved teacher and principal. During the 1960’s and 70’s, he taught science at Millville High School and biology and chemistry at West and later principal of West Laurens Junior High School. He was recognized as “Principal of the Year” by the Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering, and after 24 years, he retired from education.In his second career, Mr. Burke became the first African American in Dublin and Laurens County to become a licensed State Farm Agent. He was very successful and was recognized as such when he was listed in the A.M. Best Top 20 for his insurance company monitoring service and for offering a full range of insurance packages and coverage.
Other accolades for Mr. Burke include the 1998 Outstanding Gentleman’s Award from the Dublin Laurens Black Festival Community Committee for his faithful dedication and supportive efforts toward the advancement of African American heritage, pride, and tradition. Additionally, he was a member of the Optimist Club, in which he was recognized for his devoted and unselfish service to the welfare of the community and nation.Mr. Burke was a faithful member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He is the late husband of Mrs. Genola A. Burke and was a devoted and supportive father of 4 children and 13 grandchildren. Today, we are pleased to announce Mr. Burke as our 2023 Black History Banner honoree.Mr. Burke’s wife, Mrs. Genola Burke and granddaughter represented the family.
Walter E. McCall
If there was ever a way in which Walter E. McCall could help his community, he was always willing and ready to serve. Mr. McCall was a long-time, beloved resident of the Scottsville neighborhood, where he spent many afternoons on his front porch mentoring young boys. He was devoted to his church, his family, and his friends, and contributed significantly to the rich history of Dublin and Laurens County. During his years as a faithful and dedicated civil servant, Mr. McCall served 26 years as a member of the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce. He also served for more than a decade on the Dublin Parks and Recreation Board, the Solid Waste Board, and the Dublin-Laurens Development Authority. During his tenure with the Development Authority, Mr. McCall assisted in the expansion of Southeast Paper, Flexsteel, Steel Fab and many other industries and projects including the Welcome Center, an airport terminal building, the McGrath Keen Center, and the bypass project.Mr. McCall was a Rotarian and served as chairman for 2 years. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and a volunteer for the Certified Literacy Community Program and Habitat for Humanity. He was also a member of the founding Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of Laurens County. In January 1995, he received the City of Dublin’s most prestigious recognition, the Golden Shamrock Award, for his service. The growth and progression of our community was dear to his heart, and we are excited to announce Mr. Walter E. McCall as a 2023 Black History Banner honoree.Mr. McCall’s granddaughter, Ms. Victoria Nunez represented the family.
The City of Dublin’s Black History Banner Committee was created to bring recognition and honor individuals that made a positive impact within our city. Each individual recognized by this committee will be honored through the display of a pole banner hung throughout our historic downtown from January 3 through March 1. The local honorees were selected from nominations submitted by the public. Others recognized by the banner committee are Herbert & Mamie Dudley, Reverend Amos O. Holmes, Ruby Jefferson, Reverend H. B. Johnson, Jr., Dr. Henry Thomas Jones, William May, Sr., Warren McLendon, Jr., Samuel Moore, Sr., Emery C. Thomas, George Wyche, Sr., John Wesley Pooler, Ruby Jefferson, and more.
Dublin’s first black history banners came as a result of City Council attending a National League of Cities convention where the meeting space was decorated with banners from around the world. Dublin City Councilman, Gary Johnson, returned to Dublin with an idea for celebrating black heritage and history with banners downtown. For more information on the nomination process and to view the current honorees, please visit https://www.downtowndublintour.com/black-history-banners
Original source can be found here.
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