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Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center

At HBCUs we empower students and teach that there are no limitations on dreams
Dr. Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D,

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Coming Soon: The 2025 - 2026 Kemler Writing Project

Welcome to the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center

Howard University established it to honor the legacy of Dr. Ronald Walters, a distinguished scholar-activist, mentor, and advocate for social change.

The Ronald Walters Center stands as a beacon of excellence, fostering research, facilitating policy discussions, and nurturing leadership in areas central to the engagement of African Americans in the U.S. political process. Our vision is to become the foremost academic center for research on policy issues, driving meaningful change and advancing societal equity.

We invite you to explore the Ronald Walters Center and join us in our mission to uphold Dr. Walters' legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and academic excellence.

About the Center
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2025 Kemler Project Wraps with Ceremony Honoring Scholars and Legacy

Kemler Project

2025 Edgar Kemler Project Closing Ceremony

The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center concluded the 2024–2025 award cycle with a reflective closing ceremony held in the Blackburn University Center. The event was graciously emceed by Dr. Greg Carr, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Chair of the Department of Afro-American Studies at Howard University, who brought both warmth and wisdom to the occasion.

This year’s ceremony celebrated two exceptional Kemler Award recipients, seniors Oorebomi Akarakir and Caleb Bryant whose essays were selected with outstanding scores by the writing committee. Their academic excellence and commitment to leadership embody the enduring legacy of Dr. Ronald W. Walters.

Joined by Mrs. Patricia Walters, widow of Dr. Ronald W. Walters, along with the Center’s Director, distinguished donors, and members of the university community, the event marked not only the successful conclusion of this year’s program but also the ongoing impact of visionary leadership and generous support.
 

2025 Edgar Kemler Project

2025 Edgar Kemler Project

2025 Kemler Project

Dr. Carr, and student winners Oorebomi Akarakiri and Caleb Bryant

Dr. Carr, who served as emcee for the 2025 Kemler Project Closing Ceremony, joins award winners Oorebomi Akarakiri and Caleb Bryant in celebrating student achievement and leadership at the Walters Center.