One Woman,
One Legacy,
For Literacy.

Our Mission is to Help Alleviate Poverty for All Chattanooga Citizens and Help Create Economic Stability Through Historical, Literacy and Educational Activities.

Our Focus Areas of Impact

African American History Museum

Reading & Writing Camps

Community Awareness

Family Crisis Support

Continuation of Education

Promoting Literacy & Journalism

Our Vision

Our Vision

Literacy Matters

Literacy is a miracle in many ways. It gives people the ability to learn and work on their own terms. Literacy has given many people the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and passions. People who had never learned to read found something in it that changed their lives for the better and made them more productive citizens. Literacy has led to knowledge, wisdom, global exploration, scientific discoveries, and so much more.

#CampREACH

SUMMER WORK CAMP

Learn how #CampREACH is making an impact on Chattanooga Students

#CampREACH On NewsChannel9

#CampREACH
Celebration

#CampREACH Program Overview

Our Legacy

Our Legacy

Who is Mary Walker?

Mary Walker was born in 1848 in Union Springs, Alabama, and was enslaved until she was 15 years old when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863. She was married and had her first child by the age of 20. She had worked a variety of occupations by the time she was 68, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to earn funds for her church. Walker and her family then relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, In 1917. by the age of 114, she had lost all three of her children as well as her husband.

 

Walker received a number of medals and accolades for her endurance and determination, including the Key to Chattanooga. She was also designated Chattanooga’s Ambassador of Goodwill twice and was certified as the Nation’s Oldest Student by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Treat your loved ones to True Talent!

Anniversaries, Birthdays, Sweet Sixteen Parties, Retirement Celebrations, Valentine’s Day, Weddings, or simply a sweet way to cheer someone up! With every telegram, a portion of the proceeds benefit the Mary Walker Foundation.

Become a Supporter Today

there Are many Ways to Give

Buy "The Amazing Mary Walker" Book

The Amazing Mary Walker: America’s Oldest Student is a truly inspirational piece, enjoyable for young and old alike. It is a beautiful story of what is possible and how far we can go with hard work and love for God. Softcover is $12.99 and is currently available TODAY!

Donate Securely Online

Use our donation link to make a secure gift to benefit the Mary Walker Foundation.

Mail a Check

Please make checks payable to the Mary Walker Foundation: 611 East M.L. King Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37403

Vehicles for Charity

Recommend Mary Walker Foundation for the Vehicles for Charity Program and help us reach our goal of providing transportation to and from events and activities.

Sponsor an Event

We welcome community leaders, teachers, educators, professionals and fellow literacy advocates to help support our programs and events. Email us to learn more at [email protected]

Planned Investments

Speak to one of our representatives to learn how to make Mary Walker Foundation a part of your personal legacy. Email us to learn more at [email protected]

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
– Frederick Douglass

The Amazing Mary Walker: America’s Oldest Student is a truly inspirational piece, enjoyable for young and old alike. It is a beautiful story of what is possible and how far we can go with hard work and love for God.


Softcover is $12.99 and is currently available NOW!