Dr. Ron Walters was one of the most brilliant political theorist of our generation. Twenty five years ago, he helped legitimized an African American candidacy in Jesse Jackson, a candidacy that represented a consolidation of power for African Americans in which to make a difference in American’s political landscape. When America didn’t honor the contribution of Jesse’s “rainbow coalition,” which was simply a broadening of Jackson’s base, based on demographic class and caste conditions outlined by Walters, Walters suggested that it was time for Blacks to lead a third party in this country. He was a visionary in that regard.

Ron Walters made a significant scholarly contribution to political literature throughout academic America and to the advancement of African American political empowerment. He will be missed.

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BlackCommentator.com Columnist, Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, PhD is a national columnist and author of Saving The Race: Empowerment Through Wisdom. His Website is AnthonySamad.com. Click here to contact Dr. Samad.