Walter R. Dean in 1978. (AFRO photo)
Walter R. Dean, a civil rights leader and a Maryland legislator died at the age of 80 on Sept. 18. The cause of death was reportedly congestive heart failure.
Dean, while an undergraduate at Morgan State University, began to participate in the civil rights protests of the time. “Morgan began to protests more once we crossed that barrier in19 54. He participated in lots of protests up until the early 60s,” said Helena Hicks, a Morgan grad and retired adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore Law School.
The largest protest Dean was involved in was while protesting segregation at the Northwood Shopping Center, which is near Morgan’s campus, in 1960. “They all got locked up,” said Hicks.
In addition to protesting segregation in Baltimore, Dean agitated “All up and down Route 1 between Baltimore and D.C. in all the restaurants that wouldn’t serve us,” said Hicks.
After a stint in the Air Force in the 1960s Dean taught urban affairs at what is today Baltimore City Community College but was then known as Baltimore Junior College.
In 1970 Dean ran for, and won, a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 41st district. He served until 1982.
Dean advised many up and coming civil rights advocates, including Cortly “C.D.” Witherspoon, a Baltimore activist and clergyman. “He was a consummate educator and was always trying to teach someone something new,” said Witherspoon. “He was a teacher inside and outside the classroom.”
Dean, despite his years, was still working with activists, said Witherspoon. “He was part of a committee to create an institute to train a new generation of civil rights advocates,” he said. “He was a part of the planning stages and provided inspiration and guidance and was never selfish.”
There will be a public viewing at March Funeral Home-West on Sept. 29 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 4300 Wabash Ave., Baltimore, Maryland 21215. There will be a wake and celebration of life service starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist) Church. 317 Dolphin St., Baltimore, Maryland 21217.