Stafford Middle School, in partnership with Discover Stafford: Museum and Historical Society and the Stafford Education Foundation, unveiled a mural on Wednesday honoring Walker’s Inn, a beloved gathering place for the county’s African American community from the 1940s through the early 1970s.
The mural, created by local artist Brenda Edwards, captures the spirit of Walker’s Inn and its role as a hub of music, dancing, sports and community connection, the Stafford school division said in an announcement of the event.
Founded by Rosie and Andrew “Norfolk” Walker, the inn became known across the region for Rosie’s famous chicken sandwiches and welcomed Stafford residents, service members from Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill, and visitors from miles away. The inn’s legacy also includes hosting spirited baseball games featuring the celebrated Stafford All Stars and motorcycle races led by the Walkers’ son, William Tyler Walker.
“This mural ensures that the story of Walker’s Inn is not only remembered, but passed forward to future generations,” Stafford Middle School Principal Andrew Grider said in the announcement. “It is a testament to the Walker family as the epitome of community leadership and to the importance of honoring our history.”
The new artwork commemorates a rich chapter of Stafford’s history, highlighting the joy, resilience, and cultural contributions of the African American community, the school division said. Through this work, students and families will have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate a vibrant piece of local heritage.
In preparation for the event, students interviewed family members as part of a student-led project, creating opportunities to learn history firsthand and share those stories with their school community.
Relatives and friends of the Walker family joined the unveiling and participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday evening. Panelists included the grandchildren of Rosie and Andrew “Norfolk” Walker: Carolyn Evans, Bertie Bell, Ira Bell and James Bell. The discussion provided a personal reflection on the Walkers’ legacy and the lasting impact of Walker’s Inn, the school system said.
Stafford Middle School students also took part in the roundtable, asking questions and engaging directly with the Walker family members to better understand the history and legacy of Walker’s Inn.
“Our grandparents were filled with love for their community,” Bertie Bell said in the event announcement. “And honoring them in this way means the world to us. We are proud to celebrate them as leaders of Stafford.”
The mural, prominently displayed at Stafford Middle School outside of the main office, stands as a lasting tribute to the Walkers’ vision of joy, connection and opportunity, the school division said.
