Johnnie Walker Beach celebration set Sept. 10

Following an extensive search by the Johnnie Walker Foundation, Lewes African American Heritage Commission and others, a picture of the legendary Johnnie Walker was found, paving the way for a historic event.

Local leaders will come together Saturday, Sept. 10, at 1 Georgia Ave. in Lewes to honor a man whose impact was so positive on his community that an entire beach now bears his name.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Mayor Andrew Williams, Johnnie Walker Foundation Chair Cynthia Anderson-Clay, Johnnie Walker’s niece Mattie Walker and Louis Riley will be featured in a tribute to Johnnie Walker.

Lewes African American Heritage Commission members, former Mayor Ted Becker and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kay Carnahan are also slated to appear.

Over the course of the spring and summer, members of the African-American heritage commission searched as far south as Georgia, Walker’s second home, and in almost every local church and organization associated with the man referred to as a pillar in his community. African American heritage Commissioner Bill Collick was one of the leaders of the search.

Collick said a breakthrough happened after he called his brother-in-law Michael Gooch, whose wife Denise thought her brother Donald Harmon might know someone who knew Walker enough to have a picture of him. Like many children at that time, Harmon, who was from Ellendale, was allowed to be dropped off at Lewes Beach because of the security Johnnie Walker’s presence provided. Collick said Walker’s restaurant provided a place that was welcoming for African Americans during a time of segregation, and Walker was trusted by parents because while he was welcoming, he ran a tight ship. 

Harmon placed Collick in touch with Vanessa Pettyjohn, who knew Walker personally. Pettyjohn had a photo of Walker. Collick commended the City of Lewes and specifically Carnahan, who introduced the initial idea of renaming the beach rich in African American history after an African American individual last summer. Changes were approved last fall, but community leaders believed it was important to have a photograph of Walker for a proper tribute to occur.

“We are very fortunate, as we get ready to honor, celebrate and dedicate, that we have a photo present,” Collick said.

Walker was said to have been a gatekeeper in the community. During a time when African Americans across southern Delaware were worried about where they could send their kids, families from as far west as Seaford and as far north as Milford trusted Beach 2 because of Johnnie Walker. A pillar of the community in his own right, Collick said this reminds him of the saying, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.” The beach will forever bear Johnnie Walker’s name following the changes by the city and the tireless efforts of leaders to do the right thing.

The public is encouraged to attend. Those interested are encouraged to use the Lewes Line to avoid parking concerns. 

More information is available in the Facebook group Memories of Lewes.