It was like a combination of birthday party, book-launch, political rally and roast for a revered old friend.

Lillian Walker, who has just turned a feisty 97, was the honoree at a civic event sponsored by Secretary of State Sam Reed, the YWCA and Mrs. Walkers’ numerous friends, family and colleagues in the long struggle for equality for all.

Well before Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks were gaining fame, Mrs. Walker and her late husband James were organizing and “educating” Bremerton folks about racial equality.  They staged sit-ins and pickets, and eventually integrated lunch counters and other business places, worked with the schools, and promoted equality through their YWCA, NAACP, their church, and other organizations.

Mrs. Walker’s life lessons are told in a new book that is part of the Legacy Project within Reed’s office.  The book, which was not published at taxpayer expense, is available at the Secretary’s office in Olympia or online.  It can also be read free, online.

Mrs. Walker was honored at the event in Kitsap County’s stunning hilltop county admin building in Port Orchard. Commissioner Charlotte Garrido read a proclamation declaring it Lillian Walker Day and warm letters were read from Gov. Chris Gregoire, Congressman Norm Dicks and Sen. Patty Murray. Appeals Judge Robin Hunt, who first recommended the biography, and dear friends of Mrs. Walker toasted her. Secretary Reed called Mrs. Walker an inspiring reminder of what one person can do, and said he’s happy that her story has been preserved for future generations.  Author John Hughes recounted her accomplishments, her tenacity and her warm wit.

Mrs. Walker said her fight for equality flowed from her devotion to the Golden Rule, to remind people to treat everyone the way they would wish to be treated.