In This College Student, a Beloved Journalist’s Memory Lives On

Jakayla Phillips, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the inaugural recipient of the Don Walker Memorial Scholarship, has something in common with those who knew the award’s namesake. Both lost people they loved suddenly and unexpectedly. Phillips lost her adored brother to gun violence, which inspired her to write; the Walker family lost Don, a 60-year-old seemingly healthy retiree to a heart attack on a treadmill.

Phillips is doubtless a talented writer and budding journalist. She was selected from among her peers for this venerable award by her instructors in the Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) Department.

“She just gets it, “said UWM Senior Lecturer Jane Hampden. “She just seems to intuitively understand the fundamentals of writing.”

Walker, the namesake of the award, was a much-loved writer for the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he worked for almost 40 years as a journalist and editor. He wrote stories about Milwaukee and more. He was also a founding member of the Milwaukee Newspaper Guild, Local 51, a union of newspaper writers. He wrote with integrity, fairness, wit and compassion.

Joel Dresang, who wrote with Walker for 20 years, described him as more than just a good guy to work with but added that, “he was able to deal with the issues on one hand, and people on another.”

Interestingly, this behavior was also demonstrated in Phillips’ recent story in Media Milwaukee about a man standing on the flag at a Trump rally.

Phillips sensed that there was an important, interesting story to be told. She uncovered the purpose behind the rebellious and politically incorrect demonstration while simultaneously revealing his humanity and pain. The issue being raised for scrutiny turned out to be societal and economic racism (among other things) by a person with a strong and wounded heart. Instructors say she displays many of the same qualities in her writing, as Walker did. She has also covered campus meetings this semester, which Walker, as a longtime government reporter, might appreciate. A story she wrote on an open mic event was republished in a local Spanish-English language newspaper.

Phillips has been writing since age 7, when she began writing short stories. She also has been blessed with an impressive singing voice. She composes music from beats she locates on YouTube, activities she enjoyed with her talented and protective brother, George.

Then a horrible event happened: the controversial death of her beloved brother, George. He was only 25; she was only 17. No one knows why he was shot. Jakayla was very close to her brother who she described as “a good guy with rough edges” and one who, though not aggressive, was confident he could handle any trouble that came his way.

Jakayla was born in Milwaukee but moved to Mississippi at age 3 with her mom. It was this wrenching event that prompted her mom, Patricia Phillips, to move back here. Jakayla returned with her for the same reasons.

“I wanted to be near my other children, especially since I lost one. It was rough on all of us, especially since we don’t have closure,” said Patricia Phillips.

This searing incident also crystallized Jakayla Phillips’ career choice: investigative journalism. Writing about crime and how it affects people is her chosen focus because she’s been there. She shared how cathartic writing lyrics can be and said that it helped preserve her sanity regarding the loss of her brother.

Jakayla’s sister, Natoya, said that Phillips was close to her brother, as was the whole family. (They were raised that way by their mother.) George was considered everyone’s best friend, and his death was still an acute subject for those affected. She said she, too, tries not to think about it because it exposes sensitive and tender emotions.

Walker’s sudden death caused a similar reaction from family, friends and coworkers inspiring them to create this scholarship honoring his legacy. It is a tangible representation of “what he meant to the community as a father and journalist” said Dresang. A consummate professional, Walker filled his life with family, friends, sports, literature and music.

“He was unafraid to confront or challenge officials while remaining respectful. He was committed to presentation of a complete story, so that a decision can be made.”

When Dresang talked, emotion and earnestness emanated from his voice and comments. Most of all, one could discern the heartfelt loss of a valued colleague and trusted friend. He was bereft.

Phillips won a regional society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence award for a moving audio story on her brother.

There is good news, however. Her brother, George, is now living in her writing. He is there in her creativity, diction and in between every letter. Now, in bestowing Phillips with this award, Don Walker continues to live there as well.