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Flora "Flo" M. Walker Memorial Scholarship

Every August, the Georgia Federation of Public Service Employees awards the Flora 'Flo' Walker Memorial Family Scholarship, which provides financial support to our members, their children, and grandchildren in honor of Flora Walker's commitment to quality public education, women's rights, labor rights, and civil rights. Members, their children, or grandchildren attending an accredited college or university are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Children and grandchildren of members who are high school seniors are also eligible.

Eligibility:

  • At the time of application, be a member in good standing for at least one year.
  • Be enrolled in a community college or university, taking coursework in any field of study.
  • Members’ children and grandchildren must be enrolled in college or graduating high school seniors with proof of college acceptance at the time of award.
  • Completed application and required documentation must be received by April 15th.

About Flora "Flo" M. Walker:

Mrs. Flora M. Walker, affectionately known as "Flo," was born in Corinth, Mississippi, and eventually settled in Detroit, Michigan. She was a trailblazer and advocate for public sector workers and public education. Mrs. Walker was elected president of her union representing City of Detroit clerical workers. She later served as president for 65,000 public sector employees throughout Michigan. She successfully led a strike involving 7,000 City of Detroit employees, resulting in improved pay, benefits, and respect for public service.

Regarded as a woman ahead of her time, Flo often had to elbow her way into rooms dominated and controlled by men. Long before cracks appeared in the glass ceiling, and at a time when women leaders were uncommon and unwelcome—especially Black women—Flo's tenacity, intellect, perseverance, and passion helped her break through many barriers in business, labor, and politics. Known as a political maverick, she mastered the art of coalition building and forming relationships based on mutual interests. Her signature trait was loyalty, often saying, "If you don't have loyalty, you don't have anything."

Flo was intentional in creating opportunities for young Black men, acknowledging the major obstacles they face. Throughout her career, she purposefully hired key leaders across the country to expand opportunities in labor, government, and politics. Before retiring, Flo managed the growth and development of over half a million public sector workers in 17 states on the West Coast.

Flo was an avid poker player who was proud to earn entry into the World Series of Poker tournaments. A master strategist and communicator who instinctively and genuinely connected, engaged, and inspired others to action. Her mantra was found in 'The Gambler' by Kenny Rogers: "You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run." Mrs. Flora "Flo" Walker died December 14, 2018, but she lives on through the many leaders she helped create and through FPSE's Flora 'Flo' Walker Memorial Family Scholarship.