Barnett Wright
The Birmingham Times
Washington “Wash” Booker III on July 7 had his name placed on the Wall of Honor in the 17th Street Mini Park in downtown Birmingham for his contributions during the Civil Rights Movement. The unveiling was held at the 17th Street Mini Park by the Civil Rights Activist Committee (CRAC), chaired by Paulette Roby.
Booker, who died January 20, 2016 after suffering from pneumonia, became a foot soldier for the movement at 14, while attending Ullman High School. In June 2014, Booker became co-chair for the Civil Rights Activist Committee with Roby.
As co-chair, he spoke at community events about his time as a foot soldier for the movement and continued his long stance for political activism. Booker attended the Children’s March each day, marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and was jailed. Booker joined the Marine Corps in 1968 and fought in the Vietnam War and once returning to Birmingham continued his work for the Civil Rights movement as well as his community, especially Loveman Village, Roby said. (Stephonia Taylor McLinn photo/Special to The Birmingham Times).
