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REGULAR MEETING December 12, 2016
<br />WALKER FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN
<br />THE ACTING INDUSTRY
<br />Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston, 838 North Elmer Street, South Bend, IN, served as
<br />presenter of this bill. She invited RJ Walker and his family to the podium. Councilmember
<br />Williams- Preston stated that there had been a multimedia presentation prepared for the evening,
<br />but that it could not be shown due to technical difficulty. A still shot of a commercial Mr. Walker
<br />acted in was presented to the Council and public. Councilmember Williams- Preston encouraged
<br />those present to watch the commercial at their leisure.
<br />Councilmember Williams- Preston then began to read the resolution before the Council and the
<br />public until she realized that she had in her hand the wrong version of the resolution. She asked
<br />to read the proper version of the resolution.
<br />Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to accept Substitute Bill No. 16 -92. Councilmember
<br />Dr. David Varner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
<br />Councilmember Williams - Preston subsequently read the correct version of the resolution.
<br />At this time, Mr. Walker and his family were given an opportunity to speak to the Council and
<br />public.
<br />RJ Walker greeted everyone, stating, First off. what's up? Honestly, I'm going to be real right
<br />now, real transparent. Everything I'm saying is real, so it's not a fagade or anything. Ten (10)
<br />minutes ago, I was getting cold feet, and I didn't even know if I was the right guy for this. For
<br />the past few months, I doubted myself constantly, and I consistently told myself that I don't
<br />know if I'm the right guy. But after hearing Regina restate what I told her that I went through,
<br />and seeing my family here, and I look at the news, and I come home once every year and I still
<br />see shootings often —it's kind of humbling to see that I can stand as a beacon of light. It's not a
<br />"me" thing. I feel like I'm just a vessel for it all. It's not an "RJ Walker" thing. That's just a
<br />name. But I just feel honored. I'm blessed to see that people like Tim Scott, or any of you
<br />people, would even look at me in this light. I'm a mess, I am. I am! And I admit it. But I'm just
<br />really happy to be here. It's unreal. Everything that's happened is unreal, and I thank everyone.
<br />I'm sorry I'm tearing up, it's just the emotions got the best of me. Thank you, guys. Just thank
<br />you so much.
<br />Joanne Walker, mother of RJ Walker, residing in South Bend, IN, came up to the podium to
<br />speak, expressing gratitude for the honor her son was receiving.
<br />Serena Walker, sister of RJ Walker, residing in South Bend, IN, came up to the podium to speak,
<br />recounting memories of her brother that illustrated clearly that Mr. Walker was the right man
<br />chosen for this resolution.
<br />Randall Walker Sr., father of RJ Walker, residing in South Bend, IN, came up to the podium to
<br />speak, expressing great pride in his son's development and achievements, as well as explaining
<br />that Mr. Walker was a young man who was always striving to reach his goals.
<br />Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of the bill:
<br />Samuel Brown, 222 Navarre Street, South Bend, IN, stated that he did not know Mr. Walker but
<br />that he was touched by his words. He encouraged Mr. Walker to put his faith in God and to keep
<br />the work up.
<br />Jonathan Jones, residing in South Bend, IN, stated that he has known Mr. Walker for some time,
<br />having previously worked at both Bethel College and IUSB. He stated that he always felt that
<br />Mr. Walker had a great light, that he was a great person. He hired him into a mentoring program,
<br />where he always brought a lot of excitement. He expressed pride in Mr. Walker and was glad to
<br />see him be acknowledged.
<br />The Councilmembers were given the floor to comment on the bill. Each one offered a brief word
<br />of congratulations and encouragement to Mr. Walker, as well as thanks for the honor he has
<br />brought to the City with his growing body of work.
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