Walter Hester Explained

Walter Hester
Image Upright:0.7
Birth Date:1909/1910
Death Date:May 25, 1988 (aged 78)
Death Place:Jackson, Mississippi
Profession:Politician

Walter McCree Hester Sr. was an American politician. He served in the Mississippi state legislature from 1952 to 1964.[1]

Hester was opposed to racial integration of Mississippi schools. He opposed the participation of the 1962–63 Mississippi State Bulldogs men's basketball team in the 1963 NCAA University Division basketball tournament on the grounds that the team would face the majority-black Loyola Ramblers team.[2] The Bulldogs ultimately did participate in the tournament, facing the Ramblers in what is now known as the Game of Change.

Hester died of heart failure on May 25, 1988, in Jackson, Mississippi.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Walter M. Hester Sr., former legislator . 18 August 2021 . The Clarion-Ledger . Newspapers.com . 27 May 1988 . en . Obituary . 24.
  2. News: MSU Entry Brings Additional Criticism . 10 June 2020 . The Clarion-Ledger . Newspapers.com . 5 March 1963 . 1.