SALISBURY, NC – Bishop Dwayne Anthony Walker, presiding prelate of the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District, and former Pastor of Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This distinguished recognition, awarded by Gov. Josh Stein, celebrates Walker’s significant contributions and exemplary service to the state of North Carolina.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award. I’m grateful to our governor for considering me,” said Walker who is the 111th bishop in the line of succession in The A.M.E. Zion Church. “I’m profoundly aware that whatever achievements I have attained were not on my own. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and church family who have undergirded me with their prayers, encouragement, and support.”
The honor, established in 1963, is awarded by the governor of North Carolina to civilians who have a proven record of extraordinary service to strengthen the state. Walker joins a distinguished roster of honorees, including Michael Jordan, Dale Earnhardt and Maya Angelou.
Walker’s legacy of service is deeply rooted in his role as the former pastor of Charlotte’s Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. In 2006, he established the Little Rock Community Development Corporation (CDC), an organization dedicated to empowering the community through programs offering a “hand up instead of a handout.” One impactful initiative included a collaboration with the City of Charlotte to develop affordable housing, resulting in the successful creation of a 105-unit apartment complex, Varick on 7th, to address the pressing need for accessible housing.
Walker has also served on the Board of Trustees at Livingstone College since 2012, where he currently chairs the Governance Committee and is a member of the Institutional Advancement/Academic and Student Programs (IA/ASP) Committee. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Clinton College.
“Not only did he faithfully serve and shepherd his church, but he also used his position to be a community leader in the city,” said Gov. Stein. “Last year, Little Rock A.M.E. Zion opened doors to 105 affordable housing units, helping Charlotteans live in the communities where they work…He also served as a member of Charlotte’s Planning Commision, where he worked to expand educational opportunities. Bishop Walker [leads with] the vision of purpose.”
About Livingstone College
Livingstone College is a private historically black institution that is secured by a strong commitment to quality instruction. Through a Christian-based environment suitable for learning, it provides excellent liberal arts and religious education programs for students from all ethnic backgrounds designed to develop their potential for leadership and service to a global community.
