In 1995 local community activist, businessman, and military veteran Herbert Dennard decided to start a newspaper dedicated to the coverage of Black community news throughout Georgia and he named it the Georgia Informer.

Eleven years ago, Dennard retired and left the newspaper in the capable hands of his former Account Executive Cornelia Walker – now the publisher of what she renamed the Middle Georgia Informer, a continuation of Dennard’s vision and established coverage with her own twist.

Walker was a natural choice according to Dennard when she asked him to sell the Informer to her. Afterall, she was there watching him preside as founder, publisher, assigner of story coverage, chief of staff, and business representative. As a concerned citizen dedicated to the improvement of the community, Walker, like her boss was committed to making the paper a longtime staple in the diets of Black people throughout the Peach State.

So, when Dennard announced he was retiring in 2015, it was a no-brainer for the seasoned media mogul to take what her superior had done to a new level without compromising what the paper had been and continues to be today, a trusted and respected resource of news focused on Central Georgia under Walker.

“I was privileged to have worked with and for Herbert. He gave me the opportunity to be me as an account executive and as a result we were blessed to shape the Georgia Informer into a formidable publication,” Walker said while reflecting on her rise. “I have worked in that same vain as publisher to ensure the paper being around for years to come.”

The best people to speak to Walker’s time as publisher are those that have dealt intimately with her as story subject, community servant, friend, businesswoman, and in the case of the writer what I affectionately refer to her as – Boss.

Two of those people are Dr. Dianna Ross-Hollins and Wille Dumas. Hollins is CEO of Dr. Dianna Global Enterprises. She is also a good friend and mentor of Walker and had this to say when asked: “If you had one thing to say about Cornelia Walker overseeing the Middle Georgia Informer for eleven years, what would it be?

Hollins replied, “For over a decade, Cornelia Walker has served not just as a leader, but as a voice for the people—ensuring that stories within Middle Georgia were not overlooked, underrepresented, or unheard. In an era where local journalism continues to face challenges, her ability to sustain and guide the Middle Georgia Informer speaks volumes about her resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to truth and transparency.”

Dumas is the current president of the Macon Chapter of the NAACP. He has worked with Walker as the former Vice-President to former local NAACP President Gwenette Wesbrooks, now state president of the organization dedicated to social justice and currently as Westbrooks replacement.

When asked the same question Dumas said in addition to stating how glad he was to respond and imploring Walker to keep up the good work, “I have known Mrs. Walker for a number of years and as Macon/Bibb President I can attest to her kind demeanor and immediate response to various issues facing our organization. She continues to serve our community by keeping us all informed through the Georgia Informer.”

One would be remiss if Dennard didn’t add his perspective on his professional muse, mentee and what he describes also as a friend that feels like a little sister. He shared that he had a better offer when deciding to sell the Informer, but that Walker was the right choice. “She is a hard worker and dedicated person that loves this community. She has made the Informer a staple. Some papers no longer exist, but this one is still around. Cornelia has done a great job.”

In closing, the writer concurs with those quoted and then some. Thank you for permitting me to be a part of your team Cornelia. It’s an honor and privilege. And congratulations on a job well done. I’m blessed to be a part of the Middle Georgia Informer’s eleven years…and counting. (wink)